Photo Flash: Fred & Adele Astaire Awards Nominees' Cocktail Reception

Emmy award winning actor Richard Thomas currently starring in the hit play "Race" on Broadway announced the nominees for the 28th Annual Fred & Adele Astaire Awards honoring excellence in dance and choreography on Stage and in Film at a by-invitation-only cocktail reception at famed celebrity watering hole Elaine's.

Marysia and Joseph Botkier, Carolyn and Ron Buchter, Dhonna and Jesse Robert Goodale and Patricia Watt hosted the reception for the Nominees and Astaire Awards Gala Committee. Honorary Co-Chairs include Roberta Flack, Countess LuAnn de Lesseps and Bruce Michael: Benefit Co-Chairs include Robin Cofer, Cassandra Seidenfeld Lyster, Sara Johnson, Carolyn Kendall Buchter and Joe Lanteri.

The Nominating Committee for the 2010 Fred and Adele Astaire Awards was comprised of: Anna Kisselgoff, former Chief Dance Critic, New York Times; Wendy Perron, Editor in Chief of Dance Magazine, Sylviane Gold, freelance dance columnist for Dance Magazine, The New York Times, Newsday and Damian Woetzel, former lead dancer of the New York City Ballet, Artistic Director of The Vail Institute

The 28th Annual Fred & Adele Astaire Awards presentation will take place at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College, New York on June 7, 2010. The Awards are presented by Ava Astaire in tribute to her father & aunt and by producer Patricia Watt and The Douglas Watt Family Fund for the Performing Arts. Legendary director & choreographer Kenny Ortega has already been announced to receive the prestigious Douglas Watt Lifetime Achievement Award. The awards gala is directed by Tony & Drama Desk nominated Lee Roy Reams.

Patricia Watt is producer. Associate producer is Bronwen Carson. The evening benefits Career Transition for Dancers.

For tickets go to Theatermania.com or www.TheFredAndAdeleAstaireAwards.com.