Dancing on their laurels.

It's a no-brainer--celebrating the art of choreography for the camera (both film and television), at one of Los Angeles's ornate downtown movie palaces. In this ease, it was the opulent Orpheum Theatre, where greats like Ann Miller and the Nicholas Brothers danced almost half a century ago. The cause for celebration, the ninth annual American Choreography Awards, also proved a fine showcase for an array of terpsichorean talents.

Stomp offered the U.S. premiere of CHAIRS, as creators Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas received the Innovator Award. Performances and film clips were interspersed throughout the three-and-a-half-hour evening, which also contained a few sad moments: Late tap great Gregory Hines was remembered on celluloid while Marc Mendonca performed a poignant tap solo.

With reality shows still hot, we can at least look to dance to maintain a vibrant presence in fiction and variety-based programs. The award for achievement in television (episodic or sitcom) went to Joseph Malone for the Boston Public episode "Chapter 61." The TV variety, or special category recognized Christopher Quiban for The Wayne Brady Show (Episode 1059). And much as we'd like to zap commercials, dance occasionally soars in the ad world: Michael Rooney took honors for his "Do It Ebay" commercial. The music video award went to Missy Elliott with vocalist Ludacris for "Gossip Folks"/from Hi Hat.

Caroline Richardson captured short film honors for Horses Never Lie. Nick Powell won for right choreography for The Bourne Identity, while Rob Marshall, John DeLuca, Cynthia Onrubia, Joey Pizzi, and Denise Frye scored in the feature film category for Chicago.

Other live dance segments included: an excerpt from the aerial ballet Le Coeur Illumine; by Marie De La Palme; Robin Antin's Pussycat Dolls offered a neo-burlesque vignette; Valarie Pettiford sashayed in musical comedy mode; and Nigerian Bode Lawas performed solo to live African drumming. As usual, the shock and awe factor of head-spinning hip hop moves, here choreographed by Flo-Master, thrilled.

Emotional tributes ruled: Alan Johnson received fire Career Achievement Award (among his many choreographies is Springtime for Hitler from Mel Brooks's film The Producers); Sallie Whalen was given the Educator Award; and producer Don Mischer received the Governors Award.

Celebrity presenters included Dom DeLuise, Julie Newmar, Peter Gallagher, George Chakiris, Lesley Ann Warren. and Kathy Najimy. A surprise appearance by Siegfried Fischbacher of Siegfried & Roy fame added a somber, if surreal, note. Film clips and all award submissions go into the archives of Larry Billington's recently relocated Academy of Dance on Film, which continues to grow and shine.