Nigel Lythgoe Honored with Rolex Dance Award, 10/31

Rolex will 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 Performance 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. This one-night-only entertainment extravaganza is for adults and children of all ages.

Rolex Watch U.S.A. President & CEO Stewart Wicht stated "Rolex is proud to present Career Transition For Dancers' Gala. It is our pleasure 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." Nigel Lythgoe stated "I am honored to be receiving the 2011 Rolex Dance Award at Career Transition For Dancers' 26th Anniversary Jubilee. Rolex has been a proud presenter of this annual dance extravaganza for many years, and a wonderful advocate of the organization's vital programs and services on behalf of dancers nationwide. I am thrilled to be a part of this extraordinary evening of dance, and all for a very worthwhile organization!"

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. He has worked with Gene Kelly, Bing Crosby, Shirley Bassey and, most prestigiously, the Muppets. Lythgoe has been a driving force in the world of performing arts as the executive producer of TV's "American Idol" (nominated for 40 Emmy Awards), and "Idol Gives Back", which raised more than $140 million for charity. He received the prestigious 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". Additionally, he executive produced NBC's "Superstars of Dance". He took "So You Think You Can Dance" to the U.K., reprising his role as judge, and launched "CMT's Next Superstar". Lythgoe is involved with numerous charities as chairman of the British Academy of Film & Television Arts, Los Angeles, and as an honorary national vice president of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He also sits on the honorary board of Center Dance Arts at the Music Center Performing Arts 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.

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 that include transition seminars and workshops, peer support groups, resource centers, a toll-free national career counseling hotline, a website, and a National Career Network. www.careertransition.org

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; call 323 549-6660 and fax 323 549-6810. In Chicago at Hubbard Street Dance Center 1147 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607; call 312 666-0234 and fax 312 455-8240.

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 are also available, as well as Halloween Journal ads. 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 are available.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos

To post a comment, you must register and login.