Bebe Neuwirth, Judith Jamison Lead Career Transitions Halloween Thriller

Rolex is set to present A HALLOWEEN THRILLER A Dance Celebration of Ghosts, Ghouls, Vampires & Wilis, - Career Transition For Dancers' 26th Anniversary Jubilee on Monday, October 31, 2011 at 7:00 pm at New York City Center, 131 West 55 Street (btwn. 6th and 7th Ave) NYC. It will be followed by a Masquerade Supper with the Stars at the Grand Ballroom at the Hilton New York.

This thrilling Gala will astonish with fun and spine-tingling works in an array of styles from some of America's greatest dance companies and Broadway - woven together in a"spook-tacular" celebration of dance. Chita Rivera will host this one-night-only entertainment extravaganza for kids and adults of all ages! Regarded as an American National Treasure, Chita is one of Broadway's most accomplished and versatile dancer/actress/singers.

This event will feature appearances by Tony Award Winners Bebe Neuwirth, Natalia Makarova, Donna McKechnie; as well as CARMEN DeLAVALLADE, Judith Jamison, LYPSINKA, and Noah Racey. Plus special invited guest NE-YO, as well as prominent artists from some of America's greatest dance companies.

Rolex Watch USA President & CEO Stewart Wicht stated "Rolex is proud to present Career Transition For Dancers' Gala and to present the 2011 Rolex Dance Award to Mr. Nigel Lythgoe, co-creator/executive producer of "So You Think You Can Dance" and Executive Producer of "American Idol". We salute his extraordinary ability to successfully heighten the public's awareness of dance in America and throughout the world." The Career Transition For Dancers Awards for Outstanding Contributions to the World of Dance will be presented to Victor Elmaleh; Nancy MacMillan; Michele Riggi; National Museum of Dance.

The 26th Anniversary Chairs are Michele Herbert, Anka K. Palitz and Stewart Wicht; Gala Chairs are: Victor Elmaleh, Darlene & Brian Heidtke, Nancy & Duncan MacMillian, Michele & Ronald Riggi. The Dinner Chair is Janice Becker; Auction Chair is Ann Van Ness; and the Journal Chair is Craig Dix. Vice Chairs are Alexander J. Dubé, Mercedes Ellington, Vicki & Christopher Kellogg, Christina Rose, Nicole Sexton and Irene Shen. Honorary Chairs are Robert Battle, Jacques d'Amboise, Marcelo Gomes, Cynthia Gregory, Gelsey Kirkland, Darci Kistler, Angela Lansbury, Natalia Markarova, Peter Martins, Donna McKechnie, Liza Minnelli, Jerry Mitchell, Bebe Neuwirth, Sono Osato, David Parsons, Ann Reinking, Chita Rivera, Desmond Richardson, Tommy Tune , Christopher Wheeldon & Karen Ziemba.

Career Transition For Dancers, with offices in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, has helped over 5,100 professional dancers in 47 states identify their unique talents in preparation for establishing new careers when dance is no longer an option. Since its founding in 1985, the organization has provided more than 51,000 hours (equivalent to over $5 million) of one-on-one career counseling and program services - at no cost - and has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships for education, entrepreneurial grants, and certification programs. The organization also provides dancers with specialized services including transition seminars and workshops, peer support groups, resource centers, a toll-free national career counseling hotline, a website, and the National Career Network. The Caroline & Theodore Newhouse Center for Dancers is located at 165 W 46 Street Suite 701 (at Broadway - the Actors' Equity Building) NYC 10036. The phone number is 212 764-0172 and the fax is 212 764-0343. In Los Angeles 5757 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 455, LA; 90036; 323 549-6660 and fax 323 549-6810. In Chicago at Hubbard Street Dance Center 1147 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607; 312 666-0234 and fax 312 455-8240. To learn more about the organization, please visit www.careertransition.org.

Patron tickets are $600, $750 & $1,200. Tables for 10 start at $7,500. They include premium performance seating, post-performance Masquerade Supper with the Stars, dancing and a live auction at the Grand Ballroom at the Hilton New York. Sponsorships and Halloween Journal ads are also available. For gala information and Patron tickets please call Marjorie Horne, McEvoy & Assocs. at 212 228-7446 x33. For group sales call 718 499-9691. Show only tickets $130--$45 are available by contacting CITYTIX at 212 581-1212 or nycitycenter.org.