Patrick Swayze to Be Honored Posthumously with 2009 Rolex Dance Award

"Today we have lost a great dancer / actor who has graced us with memorable performances on stage, screen and television."

Patrick Swayze will be honored posthumously with the 2009 Rolex Dance Award on Monday, November 2, at Career Transition For Dancers 24th Anniversary Jubilee Gala at New York's City Center.

Our board of directors and the more than 4,100 dancer-clients nationwide send our deepest condolences to his loving wife Lisa Niemi Swayze and to his family," stated Executive Director Alexander J. Dubé.

This past May when the Award was announced; Allen Brill, President and CEO of Rolex Watch USA stated "It is an honor to present the Rolex Dance Award to Patrick Swayze, one of the most recognizable American actors, dancers, and singer-songwriters of our time. We are pleased to celebrate not only his legendary career and many contributions to the world of dance, but also his continued support of the mission of Career Transition For Dancers." At that time Patrick Swayze stated "I started as a dancer and in my heart I'll always be one. And as a dancer having made a transition to another discipline myself, I am honored to be a part of CTFD and very touched to receive this award."

Patrick Swayze, a three-time Golden Globe nominated actor, dancer, and singer-songwriter was best-known as the romantic lead in "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost", and for the "North and South" TV-series. His first professional job was as a dancer for Disney on Parade. In the 70's, the Texas native moved to New York to further his formal dance training. He studied with the Harkness Ballet Company, and then the Joffrey, before joining the Eliot Feld Ballet as a principal dancer. He later starred as Danny Zuko in the long-running Broadway production of Grease before his debut in films. Numerous film roles followed, then international stardom arrived with his performance as the dance instructor Johnny Castle in "Dirty Dancing." It became a surprise hit and achieved massive international success, as well as garnering him the status of a pop culture icon. Patrick also sang one of the songs on the film's soundtrack, "She's Like the Wind," which he had co-written. The song became a top ten hit and has been covered by other artists. Some of his other film hits include "The Outsiders," "Red Dawn," "Road House," "Donnie Darko," "Too Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar" (Golden Globe nomination), and "Point Break" to only name a few. He was also chosen by People magazine as a "Sexiest Man Alive." In 2005, Patrick was seen starring with his wife, Lisa Niemi, in the feature film, "One Last Dance." The film, in which Lisa made her directorial debut, was based on the award-winning play "Without a Word," which Lisa wrote and they both starred in. The following year, Patrick made his London stage debut in Guys and Dolls as Nathan Detroit. His previous appearances on the Broadway stage also include the musicals Goodtime Charley and Chicago. This past season he starred in the A&E television FBI drama "The Beast."

Rolex presents "AMERICA DANCES! Celebrating Our Sparkling Heritage - Broadway, TV & Film" which celebrates a variety of entertainment that defines our American culture-Past, Present and Future. This eclectic evening is an assimilation and fusion of styles that move from theater to concert dance, to television and film, in a vibrant homage to an array of dance genres. A film montage will pay tribute to the crazes and evolution of American dance. America - a mover and a shaker of all times. The Gala is always one of the entertainment-dance event of the new season. The spectacular evening will include appearances by dance companies, musicians, dancers from major TV shows, and numerous stars. It is produced & directed by Ann Marie DeAngelo.

Career Transition For Dancers with offices in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago has helped over 4,100 professional dancers identify their unique talents in preparation for establishing new careers when dance is no longer an option. The national/NYC office number is 212 764-0172. www.careertransition.org