ODC's Mia J. Chong to Receive Princess Grace Award
August 27, 2019—ODC/Dance has announced that company dancer Mia J. Chong has been chosen to receive a Princess Grace Award in Dance. She is also the sole recipient of this year's Princess Grace Foundation's Chris Hellman Dance Award, the Foundation's high regard for a dancer's work and dedication to dance.
The Awards, given for aspiring talent in theater, dance, and film, are named in honor of Her Serene Highness Princess Grace of Monaco, who helped aspiring artists pursue their goals throughout Her lifetime. Chong will be presented with the Award in the presence of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, at the annual Princess Grace Awards Gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on November 25, 2019.
ODC Founder and Artistic Director Brenda Way said, "It is so lovely to see young talent recognized nationally, for which I thank the Princess Grace Foundation. For the hard won artistic brilliance, I thank Mia."
On receiving the Princess Grace Award, Chong said, "The Princess Grace Award will amplify my voice and presence to inspire the next generation of dance artists. Every single day, in rehearsal, rest and performance, I focus every aspect of my work on loving and strengthening the intense beauty of uniqueness in others and myself. This award will support this work and my greater aspirations to expose the world to diversity and individuality in art and life. The Princess Grace Award will help me continue to share my unique perspective through meaningful artistic exchange."
Mia J. Chong grew up in San Francisco, California. She received scholarships and training from the Kirov Academy of Ballet, the Ailey School, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Sidra Bell Dance New York, the School at Jacob's Pillow, Tisch School of the Arts at New York University and ODC School, where she trained for over a decade. Chong has danced professionally with Robert Moses' KIN Dance Company, Post:Ballet and Dance Theatre of San Francisco. She was nominated for Isadora Duncan Dance Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Individual Performance, as well as Company Performance. Chong joined ODC/Dance as an apprentice in 2016 and was promoted to company dancer in 2018.
Some notable Princess Grace Award Dance/Choreography recipients include: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Robert Battle, American Ballet Theatre's Gillian Murphy and Isabella Boylston, New York City Ballet's Tiler Peck, and choreographers Camille A. Brown and Michelle Dorrance.