Career Transition For Dancers 28th Jubilee A Glorious Celebration Of Dance And Dancers

On October 8th, Career Transition For Dancers’ 28th Anniversary Jubilee, Broadway and Beyond! Celebrating Theatre and Dance presented by ROLEX took place at New York City Center. Once again it was a tour de force for the presenters.

This year’s Rolex Dance Award was given to Ann-Margret and was presented by last year’s recipient Liza Minnelli. Super-star Ann-Margret is a two time Academy Award Nominee, winner of 5 Golden Globes, Emmy Award winner and a Grammy Nominee. Longtime supporter Ann Van Ness was honored with The Career Transition for Dancers Award as was Harlequin Floors.

As always, the evening was filed with electrifying performances by today’s best and brightest talents from Broadway to ballet – and everything in between. Directed and produced by Ann Marie DeAngelo, the performance was filled with one show stopping number after another. Highlights in a night filled with many electrifying moments including; Parallel Exit’s fascinating “The Lights Number”; Rosie O’Donnell and Rosie’s Theater Kids performing a rousing version of “You Gotta Have Heart” fro, Damn Yankees (music by the late Richards Adler of Southampton); the haunting “at the Ballet” from A Chorus Line featuring original cast member Kelly Bishop; a gorgeous rendition of Cole Porter’s “‘gin the Beguine” danced to Astaire-Rogers perfection by Randy Skinner and Sara Burns; A tap tribute to the legendary Danny Daniels by Dule Hill, Jason Samuels Smith and Jimmy Tate; singer Orfeh stunning the audience with the beautiful “Last Time I Cry” choreographed by Ann Marie DeAngelo; Parallel Exit’s humorous “Barbershop Quartet”; The original “Annie” Andrea McArdle with Steve Marzullo singing the classic “Tomorrow” in tribute to the late Marvin Hamlisch of Westhampton Beach and an electrifying finale “drum Crazy” choreographed by Noah Racey. From Broadway to ballet, Hip Hop to Ballroom not a beat was missed at this always over the top celebration of the best in world class dance

Following the breathtaking show, guests proceeded to the Hilton Grand Ballroom for a sumptuous dinner, an exciting auction and of course dancing with the dancers. The ballroom shimmered in white and silver thanks to the efforts of Dinner Chair Janice Becker of Southampton.

The 28th Anniversary Chairs were Anka K. Palitz and Susan and Stewart Wicht. Gala Chairs were Avery and Andrew Barth, Robert Dagger, Victor Elmaleh, James Fayette, AGMA, AFL-CIO, Darlene and Brian Heidtke, John Kimmins, Nigel Lythgoe, Nancy and Duncan MacMillan, Philip S. Masters, Michele and Ronald Riggi, Ann and William Van Ness, and Misty Widelitz.

Janice Becker was the Dinner Chair; Ann Van Ness was the Auction Chair; and Craig Dix was the Journal Chair. Alexander J. Dubé, Mercedes Ellington, Vicki and Christopher Kellogg, Christina Rose, Irene and Fred Shen, and Michael A. Terlizzi Capezio Ballet Makers served as Vice Chairs. There was fierce bidding for a stay at Bill and Ann Van Ness’ French chateau and a private dinner with Janice and Stuart Becker.

Prominent East Enders added major glam to the room including Jean Shafiroff, Patricia Shiah, Caroline Lieberman, Suzi DuVan, Michele and Larry Herbert, Bonnie Pfeifer Evans, Donna and Dick Soloway.

Generous sponsors for the event include Conde Nast, Dance Magazine, and Pointe, Harlequin Floors, Sono Osato and Victor Elmaleh, Michele and Ronald Riggi, Ann and William Van Ness.

Career Transition For Dancers is a nonprofit organization that enables dancers to define their career possibilities and develop the skills necessary to excel in a variety of disciplines when dance is no longer an option.