Pop culture icon Paula Abdul is set to receive the esteemed Legacy Award at the upcoming 15th World Choreography Awards (WCA), recognizing her outstanding influence and lifelong dedication to the art of choreography. The annual event, often referred to as the “Oscars of dance,” will take place on November 17 at the Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles.
The World Choreography Awards recently unveiled its 2024 lineup of nominees across multiple categories, spotlighting some of the most innovative talent in global dance and movement direction. Nominees this year include creators behind standout productions such as Wicked (Christopher Scott), Better Man (Ashley Wallen), Emilia Pérez (Damien Jalet), and visual works for internationally acclaimed artists including Dua Lipa, Childish Gambino, and Beyoncé.
Event founder and producer Allen Walls expressed excitement about this year’s ceremony, describing it as a rare chance for fans and professionals alike to witness the pinnacle of dance artistry live on one stage for one unforgettable evening.
An Emmy and Grammy Award-winning performer, Abdul has built an extraordinary multi-decade career as a singer, dancer, choreographer, and television personality. Rising from her early days as a Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader, she quickly advanced to become the lead choreographer for the Laker Girls, igniting a career that would help shape modern pop performance. Her creative footprint extends to choreography for iconic films such as Coming to America, Jerry Maguire, and American Beauty.
Television audiences know her best as one of the original judges on American Idol, where her warmth and expertise helped define the show’s tone. Abdul has also brought her expertise to The X Factor, So You Think You Can Dance, Live to Dance, and The Masked Dancer, continuing to inspire new generations of performers through her mentorship and artistry.
The 15th World Choreography Awards will feature live performances from Asadi & Xye, Monika Felice Smith, and JA Collective, adding to the star-studded celebration of movement and creativity.
Below are some of the recognized talents nominated across categories this year:
- MUSIC VIDEO: Charm La’Donna (Dua Lipa – Illusion), Shay Latukolan (Childish Gambino – Little Foot Big Foot), Keone Madrid (NCT Dream – When I’m With You)
- MOTION PICTURE: Damien Jalet (Emilia Pérez), Christopher Scott (Wicked), Ashley Wallen (Better Man)
- TELEVISION & VARIETY SHOWS: Mandy Moore, Fatima Robinson, Tessandra Chavez, and others for their award-show choreography.
By honoring Paula Abdul with the Legacy Award, the World Choreography Awards highlights a visionary whose artistry continues to influence choreographers, dancers, and performers around the world. Her creative journey symbolizes dedication, innovation, and the lasting power of dance as a storytelling medium.
