Amy Zell Ellsworth is honored at the Boston Dance Alliance 2010 Benefit— the kickoff of the alliance’s 25th Anniversary season — held Thursday at the Sanctuary Theatre in Cambridge. Ellsworth has participated in the arts as a choreographer, teacher and performer, but won the 2010 Boston Dance Alliance Dance Champion award after overseeing the transition of the alliance from all-volunteer to a respected, professionally run organization. At left is Massachusetts state Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz, a Democrat serving parts of Boston, who was honorary host committee chairwoman for the benefit. At right is Barbara Grossman, vice chairwoman of the Massachusetts Cultural Council and chairwoman of the drama and dance department at Tufts University.