Brian Friedman will appear as a special guest presenter during the Industry Dance Awards ceremony
Michael Dameski will collect the Future Visionary honor at the 2026 Industry Dance Awards
12TH ANNUAL INDUSTRY DANCE AWARDS ANNOUNCES
SPECIAL HONOREES KRISTA MILLER,
MICHAEL DAMESKI AND TERRY TANSEY-SCHULKE
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Each year, the Industry Dance Awards shines a light on the extraordinary talent within our dance world and the behind-the-scenes champions who make it all happen.”— Noah Lands, Founder of Dancers Against Cancer.LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, October 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Industry Dance Awards (IDA), produced by Dancers Against Cancer, has revealed its distinguished honorees for this year’s ceremony, celebrating key figures within the dance world for their contributions as teachers, performers and guides. The 12th Annual Industry Dance Awards is set for Wednesday, October 21 at the iconic Avalon Hollywood, with Tia Stokes returning as emcee. This yearly event acknowledges standout accomplishments in competitive dance while uniting dancers, instructors, choreographers and industry professionals from around the nation.
Among this year’s honorees are Krista Miller, a professional dancer, educator and entrepreneur, who will be presented with the Dance Educator of the Year Award by renowned choreographer Brian Friedman. Michael Dameski, an internationally celebrated dancer and choreographer, will receive the Future Visionary Award, while Terry Tansey-Schulke, an award-winning choreographer, master teacher and studio owner, will be celebrated with the Lifetime Legacy Award.
The Stephen “tWitch” Boss Legacy Scholarship for 2026 will go to Ciara Hines, a multifaceted dancer, instructor and competition judge who appeared on season 17 of America’s Got Talent. This scholarship recognizes dancers for their artistic potential, contributions and dedication to carrying forward tWitch’s legacy of dance, kindness and support for the arts. Allison Holker will present the award.
“Each year, the Industry Dance Awards shines a light on the extraordinary talent within our dance world and the behind-the-scenes champions who make it all happen,” stated Noah Lands, Executive Producer of the Industry Dance Awards and Founder of Dancers Against Cancer. “Krista, our Dance Educator of the Year, has given countless dancers the foundation to build real careers. Michael, our Future Visionary, is showing the next generation where their talent can take them. And Terry, our Lifetime Legacy honoree, has dedicated her life to this art form and has been a true champion for Dancers Against Cancer and the families we serve.”
Alongside these special recognitions, the Industry Dance Awards will honor the top competitive dancers, studios and routines of the season from across the country, with categories including Jazz, Lyrical / Modern / Contemporary, Musical Theatre / Novelty / Character, Hip Hop, Open / Acro / Ballet, Tap, People’s Choice, and others. IDA unites participating national dance competitions to showcase outstanding artistry and technical skill from the competitive dance season.
The 12th Annual Industry Dance Awards will be broadcast live on Wednesday, Oct. 21 starting at 6 p.m. PT via IndustryDanceAwards.com/Livestream. This event kicks off a two-night celebration organized by Dancers Against Cancer, with the Gala of the Stars following on Oct. 22 at The Beverly Hilton. Both evenings aim to further Dancers Against Cancer’s mission of offering direct financial support to dancers, dance educators and their families affected by cancer.
For the full list of nominees and additional details, go to IndustryDanceAwards.com. To purchase tickets, visit https://aesbid.co/ELP/IDA2026/Tickets.
Presented by Dancers Against Cancer, the Industry Dance Awards celebrates excellence across the dance community, uniting performers, educators, innovators and industry leaders while advancing a greater charitable cause. The annual Industry Dance Awards at Avalon Hollywood acknowledges outstanding accomplishments by competitive dancers and studios nationwide, while the Gala of the Stars the next evening broadens the celebration to recognize contributions to dance in television, film and entertainment, while raising funds for dancers and families facing cancer.
ABOUT DANCERS AGAINST CANCER
Dancers Against Cancer is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers direct financial assistance to dancers, dance educators and their families impacted by cancer. Backed by the dance community and its partners, DAC is dedicated to ensuring that no dancer faces cancer alone. Through events including the Industry Dance Awards, Gala of the Stars, and Charity Golf Tournament, DAC has raised millions to assist families in need and inspire hope throughout the global dance community.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Christy-Anne Lopez
Head of PR | Dancers Against Cancer
christy@imadanceragainstcancer.org
714-801-1986
Tentpole Group
Christina Canseco
Maddie Cuttler
DAC@tentpolegroup.com
Christy-Anne Lopez
christyannelopez
+1 714-801-1986
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