Capezio Honors Tommy Tune at 125 Year BC/EFA Benefit Tonight

Capezio celebrates 125 years of excellence with this one-night only special show tonight, Monday, April 23, 2012 at 7:00 pm at New York City Center, 131 West 55 Street (btwn. 6th & 7th Ave) NYC.

Capezio describes the show as: "A glorious show highlighting some of the magical history of Capezio with numerous dance legends and stars of stage and screen saluting this milestone. The show is conceived and directed by Ann Marie DeAngelo. Some of the proceeds from the event will benefit: BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS, AMERICAN TAP DANCE FOUNDATION and also the NATIONAL DANCE INSTITUTE."

Capezio 125th Anniversary Award bennefiting Dizzy Feet Foundation will be accepted by Nigel Lythgoe. The 61st annual Capexio dance Award will be given to Tommy Tune.

Nigel Lythgoe bio: Nigel Lythgoe developed an interest in dance at an early age. His first professional job was with the Corps de Ballet, and he later went on to choreograph the BBC’s Young Generation dance troupe. He became the only person to dance in, choreograph, direct, and produce the Royal Variety Performance. A driving force in the world of performing arts he is the executive producer of TV’s “American Idol” (nominated for 40 Emmy Awards), and “Idol Gives Back” (raising more than $140 million for charity). He received the Governors Award, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ highest honor. He is the co-creator and executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning series “So You Think You Can Dance”, and executive produced NBC’s “Superstars of Dance”. He took “So You Think You Can Dance” to the U.K., and launched “CMT’s Next Superstar”. He is involved with numerous charities and sits on the honorary board of Center Dance Arts at the Music Center. Lythgoe joined forces with director Adam Shankman, “Dancing with the Stars” judge Carrie Ann Inaba and actress Katie Holmes to found the Dizzy Feet Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to talented young dancers, works to elevate and standardize dance instruction in the U.S., and exposes youth in underprivileged communities to the joys of dance education.

Tommy Tune bio: Known as one of the most prolific director/choreographers of the twentieth century, Tommy Tune has enchanted audiences over the past 50 years with his charisma, vision, and innovation. Tune has been honored with nine Tony Awards celebrating him as a performer, choreographer and director. In addition, Tune has been awarded eight Drama Desk Awards, three Astaire Awards and the Society of Directors and Choreographers’ George Abbott Award for Lifetime Achievement. Film credits include Hello Dolly, The Boy Friend, and Mimi Bluette…fiore del mio giardino. Mr. Tune celebrates his 50th years in show business with his latest work, Steps In Time, A Broadway Biography in Song and Dance. In 2009, Mr. Tune was designated as a Living Landmark by the New York Landmarks Conservancy. Tune is the recipient of the National Medal Of Arts, the highest honor for artistic achievement given by the President of the United States, and he has been honored with his own star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

Salvatore Capezo Bio: The Icon of Dance, Salvatore Capezio was born in Italy, and at seventeen opened his shop near the old Metropolitan Opera House in NYC. The sign above his door read: “The Theatrical & Historical Shoemaker.” His business began by repairing theatrical shoes for the Met. The day he created an emergency pair of shoes for Jean De Reszke, he quickly made the transition from cobbler to shoemaker. He discovered dance shoes, pointe shoes in particular, to be a challenge. His customers discovered that few were as determined as Capezio to take that on. Soon the shop became a place for dancers to stop by to discuss their needs and pick up his shoes. Angelina Passone, a La Scala graduate, lingered over the discussion and later became his wife. As his popularity grew, dancers from around the world made it a point to visit. Anna Pavlova purchased Capezio pointe shoes for herself and her entire company during her first U.S. tour. Her praise ensured Salvatore’s success. Eventually, he entrusted his shoemaking techniques to his family. They joined him in the business and the exceptional reputation continued to spread. By the 1930s his products were dancing across Broadway in the Ziegfeld Follies and in dozens of other shows. In 1941, Claire McCardell showed the Capezio long-sole ballet shoe with her fashion collection. The enthusiastic response provoked Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus and other major stores to purchase the footwear. In 1949 Capezio made the cover of Vogue. In 1952, Capezio received the Coty Award, fashion’s highest accolade. The Capezio Dance Award was established in 1952 to honor those who make a long-standing, significant contribution to dance. The Capezio Foundation was established in 1953 to promote and recognize ongoing achievements in dance. Plenty of the world’s greatest performers have recognized Capezio as the only way to dance. Now third and fourth generation family members continue the legacy of craft, innovation and commitment. With prevalent industry use of computerization and robotics, Capezio Special Make-up Department still hand crafts footwear for an eclectic mix of performers. Scores of casts from Broadway, Radio City Music Hall to Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus and Disney; as well as television and films such as “So You Think You Can Dance,” to the “BLACK SWAN” use Capezio products. The dedication of Capezio to providing dancers with technologically advanced, quality tools for their art continues to inspire innovations. Capezio proudly introduced revolutionary footwear to the industry with the Dansneaker, footUndeez, tap shoes with Tele Tone taps and the Rayow system, the Pedini styles, the acclaimed FizzionTM and several favorites made with PowerPointe Construction. Capezio regards dance as an art form, a lifestyle and an attitude. Capezio is more committed to dance now more than ever.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride