Jelani Remy (“Back to the Future” musical) chatted about the importance of Chita Rivera.
Remy participated in red carpet interviews at the 2025 Chita Rivera Awards, which were held on Monday, May 19th at the NYU Skirball Center in Manhattan.
2025 Chita Rivera Awards
The mission of the Chita Rivera Awards is to celebrate dance and choreographic excellence, preserve notable dance history, recognize past, present, and future talents, while promoting high standards in dance education and investing in the next generation.
The Chita Rivera Awards are produced by Joe Lanteri, the founder and executive director of the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation Inc., in conjunction with Patricia Watt.
“I am really happy and lucky to be a part of this event which honors dance, Chita Rivera and Ben Vereen. Tonight is the night.”
Significance of Chita Rivera
When asked why Chita Rivera was so important to him, Jelani responded, “Chita Rivera IS so important to me… not was.”
“Chita is a force; she is an essence, and she is just a blueprint of performing and performing arts, and she needs to continue to be celebrated and always appreciated,” he underscored.
Jelani’s advice for young and emerging performers
For young and emerging performers, Remy said, “Continue to be you because there is no other person than you, and we are waiting for you.”
Jelani on the 2025 ‘Renaissance GALA’
Remy recalled being a part of the “Renaissance GALA,” which celebrated the re-opening of the Laurie Beechman Theatre in New York. “It was wonderful. Everything was great,” he exclaimed.
For more information on Jelani Remy, follow him on Instagram.
