Kevin Csolak and Shanel Bailey of ‘Gypsy.’ Photo Credit: Chris Coates.
Actor, dancer, and performer Kevin Csolak was the 2025 Chita Rivera Award winner for “Outstanding Dancer in a Broadway” show for “Gypsy.”
Csolak was tied with Robyn Hurder of “Smash” for the Chita Rivera Award win for “Outstanding Dancer” (two awards were given in this category because there were a total of 10 nominees).
Csolak spoke to the media on the red carpet prior to the 2025 Chita Rivera Awards ceremony, which was held at the NYU Skirball Center in Manhattan.
Csolak on his 2025 Chita Rivera Award nod
Regarding his Chita Rivera Award nomination, Csolak remarked, “Tonight means everything. I hold the dance community so near and dear to my heart. I truly do.”
“Dancers all have a similar work ethic, dedication, and passion for the arts. It takes a certain kind of person to be a high-level dancer on Broadway, TV, and film. I think we are really just celebrating the joy of it all,” Csolak elaborated.
‘Gypsy’
On being a part of the ensemble of “Gypsy,” he exclaimed, “It’s crazy. Audra McDonald is doing her thing on stage, and then I get to do my little dance for five minutes; that’s remarkable. I pinch myself daily.”
When asked what it felt like to go from Tulsa, Oklahoma (“The Outsiders” musical) to playing Tulsa (the character in “Gypsy”), Csolak said, “It was immaculate. It was a dream within a dream. It was crazy; it really is remarkable.”
Dream dance partner
Csolak listed his girlfriend as his dream dance partner (to someday collaborate with).
Inspiration to pursue dance at a young age
On his inspiration to pursue dance, Csolak revealed, “Honestly, I grew up in my mom’s Performing Arts Center in New Jersey. The studio was my day care center. Seeing both of my older brothers dance really inspired me.”
Csolak shared that he grew up dancing tap, ballet, and jazz. “That’s the only thing I could take when I was four or five years old,” he admitted.
Right now, Csolak noted that “Gypsy” is his main focus, as well as getting ready for the Tony Awards next month.
Advice for young and emerging dancers and performers
For young and aspiring dancers, actors and performers, he stated, “Find a specific show, dance, or choreographer, that you love.”
“When you find the niche things that you love, you can curate your own taste and your own facility, and how you want to perform with that. So, find the specific things that you love,” Csolak concluded.
To learn more about Kevin Csolak, follow him on Instagram.
Content shared from www.digitaljournal.com.