The Otis Smith
Legacy Dance Award

Conceived by Sam Weakley and established in 2013 as the Gypsy Award, the Otis Smith Legacy Dance Award is given for outstanding and invaluable contribution of time, energy and terpsichorean talents primarily as an unselfish member of the hardworking group of hoofers known as the ensemble or chorus within a production. 

Renamed in 2020 for long-time Memphis dance instructor, the Otis Smith Award is given to an ensemble member of a musical for excellence in performance, specifically dance. It is meant to recognize someone whose hard work and infectious energy serve to heighten any show they appear in. Unlike the other performance awards, this award is not given for a single show but rather the performer’s cumulative accomplishments over the course of the season and career.