Industry Dance Awards names 2026 special honorees

The 12th Annual Industry Dance Awards will spotlight Krista Miller, Michael Dameski and Terry Tansey-Schulke on Oct. 21 at Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles. The event, presented by Dancers Against Cancer, also will stream live and support direct financial assistance for dancers and families affected by cancer.

Why it matters: - The Industry Dance Awards are a major annual showcase for competitive dance, educators and choreographers. - The event also helps raise money for Dancers Against Cancer, which provides direct financial assistance to dancers, educators and families affected by cancer. - The 2026 honors highlight the people shaping the next generation of dance talent and preserving the art form’s legacy.

What happened: - The Industry Dance Awards, presented by Dancers Against Cancer, announced its special honorees for the 12th annual event on Oct. 6, 2026. - Krista Miller will receive Dance Educator of the Year. - Michael Dameski will receive the Future Visionary Award. - Terry Tansey-Schulke will receive the Lifetime Legacy Award. - The awards show will take place Wednesday, Oct. 21 at Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles. - Tia Stokes will return as host. - The event will stream live at IndustryDanceAwards.com/Livestream.

The details: - Krista Miller is a professional dancer, educator and entrepreneur. - Brian Friedman will present Miller’s award. - Michael Dameski is an internationally recognized dancer and choreographer. - Terry Tansey-Schulke is an award-winning choreographer, master teacher and studio owner. - The Stephen “tWitch” Boss Legacy Scholarship will go to Ciara Hines. - Hines is a dancer, instructor and competition judge. - Hines appeared on season 17 of America’s Got Talent. - Allison Holker will present the scholarship honor. - The scholarship recognizes artistic promise, contributions and a commitment to carrying forward tWitch’s legacy of dance, kindness and support for the arts. - The awards will also recognize standout competitive dancers, studios and performances from across the country. - Categories include Jazz, Lyrical / Modern / Contemporary, Musical Theatre / Novelty / Character, Hip Hop, Open / Acro / Ballet, Tap and People’s Choice. - IDA draws on participating national dance competitions to spotlight artistry and technical excellence. - The Industry Dance Awards are the first night of a two-event celebration. - The Gala of the Stars follows on Oct. 22 at The Beverly Hilton. - Both events support Dancers Against Cancer’s mission.

Between the lines: - The honorees reflect three pillars of the dance world: education, future influence and long-term legacy. - The scholarship choice also underscores the industry’s effort to keep tWitch’s influence visible through emerging talent. - The two-night format extends the event’s reach beyond competition results and into broader recognition of dance in entertainment.

What's next: - The complete nominee list is available at IndustryDanceAwards.com. - Tickets are available at IDA 2026 tickets. - The live stream begins Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. PT. - The Gala of the Stars will be held Oct. 22 at The Beverly Hilton. - Dancers Against Cancer will continue using the event slate to fund direct aid for families affected by cancer.

The bottom line: - The Industry Dance Awards are pairing industry recognition with philanthropy, using one of dance’s marquee gatherings to honor leaders and support families in crisis.