Tony-nominated choreographer David Neumann most recently worked on the Broadway musical “Swept Away.”
He spoke to members at the media on the red carpet of the 2025 Chita Rivera Awards, which took place at the NYU Skirball Center in Manhattan.
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.
In 2019, he was nominated for both the Tony Award and the Drama Desk Award for “Best Choreography” for his work in “Hadestown.”
2025 Chita Rivera Award recognition
Neumann received the 2025 “Douglas and Ethel Watt Critics’ Choice Award,” which recognizes outstanding work that falls outside the framework of the original categories. It is named for the longtime Daily News theater critic Douglas Watt and his wife Ethel.
On being recognized at the 2025 Chita Rivera Awards, he remarked, “It’s a very special night.”
When asked about how he got started, Neumann responded, “I got started rocking out to my parent’s albums, freestyling in the living room, and it eventually turned into other things.”
Advice for young and aspiring choreographers
For young and emerging choreographers, he said, “Keep practicing the work; whatever it is that you want to do, and it can change. Imagine the dance you most like to see, and make that!”
Defining moments
On his career-defining moments, he recalled, “Certainly, doing my first Broadway show ‘Hadestown’ was a very big moment. Every show I do is a chance to hone my skills and get clearer about telling the story through bodies and movement.”
Stage of his life
On the title of the current chapter of his life, Neumann revealed, “Let’s see what’s next.”
Success
On his definition of the word success, he concluded, “Continuing to work.”
Read More: “Swept Away” review
