Nevada Ballet Theatre Names Olivia Newton-John 2016 Woman of the Year for 32nd BLACK & WHITE BALL

Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) announced today that it will honor the multi-talented actress, singer, philanthropist and Las Vegas headliner Olivia Newton-John as Woman of the Year for the 32nd Annual BLACK & WHITE BALL.

With more than 100 million albums sold, her successes include four Grammys, numerous Country Music, American Music, Billboard and People's Choice Awards, an Emmy Award, ten #1 hits (including "Physical," which topped the charts for ten consecutive weeks) and more than 15 top 10 singles. In 1978, her co-starring role with John Travolta in "Grease" catapulted her into super-stardom and to date remains the most successful movie musical of all time. Newton-John's many contributions to the performing arts and entertainment industry as well as her tireless charitable efforts will be celebrated on Saturday, January 23 at Wynn Las Vegas.

The BLACK & WHITE BALL, which is chaired by Gillian Wynn, is the 44 year-old ballet company's largest annual fundraiser. As one of the most anticipated charitable affairs and highly attended black-tie society events in Las Vegas, it hosts an array of local celebrities, dignitaries, VIP's and arts supporters.

"I'm so honored that NBT has chosen me as their Woman of the Year," says Newton-John. "Las Vegas has become a second home to me and this honor really makes me feel like a part of this community that I really have grown to love."

Newton-John discovered her passion for performing at a very young age and by the time she was just fifteen she was already appearing on national television programs in Australia. The successful singer brought her talents to the U.S. with her first state-side album, "Let Me Be There," in 1973. The success of that album, which included an Academy Of Country Music Award for Most Promising Female Vocalist and a Grammy Award as Best Country Vocalist, proved to be only the beginning of a very exciting career. In addition to "Grease," her other feature film credits include "Funny Things Happen Down Under," "Toomorrow," "Xanadu," "Two Of A Kind," "It's My Party," "Sordid Lives," "Score: A Hockey Musical," and "A Few Best Men." Most recently, Olivia has returned to the Billboard charts for the first time in over 20 years with a duet with her daughter Chloe Lattanzi. The song, "You Have to Believe," is a new dance version of "Magic," her #1 hit from the film "Xanadu" and, the music video peaked at #1 on the iTunes Electronic Dance Charts and, #2 on the iTunes "all music videos" chart.

"Olivia Newton-John is an extraordinary example of a multi-talented, vibrant and timeless performer," said NBT Co-Founder and Co-Chair Nancy Houssels. "Her career has spanned over five decades and has included award-winning music that is known across the globe and some of the most memorable roles in movie history." Houssels continued by saying, "Not only has she made amazing contributions to the pop culture landscape, she is a generous and diligent humanitarian, taking on causes from the fight against breast cancer, supporting children's health organizations, to the United Nations Environmental Program."

In April 2014, she began yet another chapter in her career with the debut of her residency at the Flamingo Las Vegas titled "Summer Nights." The popular show is a musical journey through her career in movies and music featuring some of her best known songs. With the launch and success of her show, the beloved singer and actress is now not only an international star but also a Las Vegas icon. Newton-John is thrilled that a portion of every ticket sold to her Flamingo Las Vegas concerts will benefit the wellness programs at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in her hometown of Melbourne, Australia (OliviaAppeal.com).

In 1985, NBT began honoring female trailblazers - philanthropic pioneer women including former casino owners and hoteliers, politicians, businesswomen, and entertainers who shaped the face of Las Vegas. In 2001, the company honored actress, singer and dancer Debbie Reynolds and since that time, an array of internationally-recognized Broadway performers, actresses and legendary entertainers have been honored: Chita Rivera, Carol Channing, Celine Dion, Ann-Margret, Rita Rudner, Paula Abdul, Twyla Tharp, Bette Midler, Marie Osmond, Priscilla Presley, Eva Longoria, Mitzi Gaynor and most recently Debbie Allen. In addition to leaving an indelible mark on the world of arts and entertainment, most of these honorees have performed, lived or owned businesses in Las Vegas.

For over three decades, this star-studded gala has raised important funds for NBT, enabling the company to produce professional company dance productions at its performance home, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts; provide quality dance instruction within its affiliated school, the Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre; and share the art form of dance with underserved populations of youth as part of its Education and Outreach program, Future Dance.

With more than 100 million albums sold, Olivia's successes include four Grammys, numerous Country Music, American Music, Billboard and People's Choice Awards, an Emmy Award, ten #1 hits and more than 15 top 10 singles. She is also proud to be the recipient of the Order of Australia honor and was bestowed the Order of the British Empire by the Queen. In 1978, her co-starring role with John Travolta in "Grease" catapulted Olivia into super-stardom and to date remains the most successful movie musical of all time.

Olivia Newton-John "Summer Nights" at Flamingo Las Vegas is a musical journey through the iconic artist's illustrious career featuring hits from her early years including "Have You Never Been Mellow," "Let Me Be There," "If You Love Me Let Me Know" and "I Honestly Love You," as well some of her favorites from Grease, "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "You're The One That I Want," and of course, "Summer Nights." Favorites and hits from her other movies, including Xanadu, as well as her '80s anthem and record breaking song "Physical," keep the room dancing, while new songs from her recent Billboard hit album "Grace and Gratitude" warm the hearts of the entire audience. A portion of every ticket sold for her Las Vegas show benefits the wellness programs at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Australia. In addition, Olivia is the proud co-owner of the award winning spa retreat, Gaia Retreat and Spa (GaiaRetreat.com). She is proud to announce that in addition to numerous international awards, Gaia was recently named the "Best Day Spa in the World" at the World Spa Awards held earlier this month. Follow Olivia on Twitter @OliviaNJ and Instagram @therealONJ.

Under the artistic direction of James Canfield, Nevada Ballet Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Las Vegas and the largest professional ballet company and dance Academy in the state. Committed to the highest artistic standards, this classically-based company is at home in an eclectic repertory, moving easily from the classics to the high-energy contemporary ballets. The mission of Nevada Ballet Theatre is to educate and inspire statewide, regional and national audiences and vitally impact community life through professional company productions, dance training and education and outreach. Nevada Ballet Theatre is the resident ballet company of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos

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