Like the dancers they support who need to warm-up a bit before they hit the stage, the organizers of the October 23 "One World, A Spectacular Global Celebration to Benefit Career Transition For Dancers (CTFD)" got together for a warm up session / cocktail party at the home of Ann and Bill Van Ness.
Director/producer Ann Marie DeAngelo was introduced by presenting sponsor Rolex President and CEO Allan Brill and outlined the bill of fare for the Jubilee evening: dancers from over 20 companies, representing a diverse cultural fabric including The Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Thunderbird American Indian Dancers, Ballet de Monterrey, Dance China NY, Pilar Rioja, Sounds of Korea and Rosie's Broadway Kids with appearances by Rosie O'Donnell, Sutton Foster, James Earl Jones and special award presentations. Liza Minnelli will present the Rolex Award to Chita Rivera and the Rudolf Nureyev Dance Foundation will receive the special CTFD Award
The evening also put the spotlight on jazz superstar Eric Lewis and his collaboration with the Joffrey Ballet for the creation of a new work Puerto Rico, the brainchild of producer Patricia Kennedy who previously put together rocker Prince with the Joffrey to create the critically and commercially successful ballet Billboards. The Joffrey will premiere the work in 2007. Lewis will give the gala attendees a sneak peek of the piece with the help of the Luna Negra Dance Theater, just one of the exciting treats scheduled for this not to be missed entertainment-dance event.
Visit www.careertransition.org for more information.
Belinda Bush and hosts Ann and Bill Van Ness
Producer Bruce Michael and CTFD publicist Kevin McAnarney
21st Anniversary co-chairs Anka Palitz, Allen Brill and co-chair Patricia Kennedy
Director / producer Ann Marie DeAngelo with Rolex President / CEO Allen Brill
Patricia Kennedy, Eric Lewis and Ann Marie DeAngelo
Kent Drake and honorary chair Mercedes Ellington
Denise Jefferson of Alvin Ailey, Kent Drake, Mercedes Ellington and CTFD President Cynthia Fischer
