Vincent Paterson, the choreographer and creative director known for his work with Michael Jackson and Madonna, will receive the Legacy Award at the 2026 World Choreography Awards.
The 16th annual World Choreography Awards will take place on November 8 at the Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles, celebrating choreographers working across film, music videos, television, commercials and digital content.
Paterson has worked extensively across the entertainment industry, including music videos, concert tours, television, Broadway, opera and film. His film credits include Evita, The Birdcage, Closer, Dancer in the Dark, Hook, The Mighty Quinn and Mannequin.
For Michael Jackson fans, Paterson is particularly familiar for his work during several important periods of Michael’s career. He first worked with Michael as a featured dancer and assistant choreographer on the Beat It and Thriller projects, working alongside choreographer Michael Peters.
Paterson later took on a much larger creative role with Michael, including choreographing Smooth Criminal, working on the Bad era short films, choreographing the Black Or White music video and directing and choreographing the Blood On The Dance Floor short film.
His collaboration with Michael also extended to live performances, including work connected to the Bad World Tour, the 1992 MTV 10th Anniversary performance, the 1993 Super Bowl halftime show and other major television appearances.
Paterson also worked with Madonna, including on her Blond Ambition World Tour.
Kevin Stea will return as host of this year’s World Choreography Awards and will also be among the performers during the ceremony. Stea has his own history with Michael Jackson, having appeared in the Black Or White short film and later working on Michael’s projects including Blood On The Dance Floor.
The awards will feature live performances from Chucky Klapow, Becca Sweitzer, Kevin Stea, Marie Poppins, Holden Maples, Erica Klein and Kelly Sweeney.
This year’s nominees include choreographers behind projects such as Sinners, Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Life of Chuck, Wicked: For Good, Wednesday, Palm Royale, Saturday Night Live and Dancing With the Stars.
The awards recognise work across eight categories: Motion Picture, Music Video, Television Reality/Variety Show, Television Award Show/Special, Television Episodic, Commercials, Digital Content and Digital Content Independent.
The 2026 World Choreography Awards will take place on November 8 at the Avalon Hollywood, with Paterson receiving the Legacy Award during the ceremony.
