Rivera to be Honored at 10/23 Gala; Foster, Etc. to Appear

Rolex will present "One World: A Spectacular Global Celebration" - Career Transition For Dancers' 21st  Anniversary Jubilee - on Monday, October 23, 2006 at 7:00 pm at New York City Center, 131 West 55 Street (between 7 & 6 Ave.).

The performance will be followed by an Anniversary Supper with the Stars at Hilton New York's Grand Ballroom. 

This year, the Rolex Dance Award will be presented to Chita Rivera, who won two Tony Awards (Kiss of the Spider Woman and The Rink) and received six additional Tony nominations.

"The Gala will showcase the bringing together of diverse cultures through the universal art form of dance.  Highlighting a variety of ethnic dance as well as ballet and modern, 'One World' celebrates our sameness and reflects the rich cultural fabric of New York City for the entertainment-dance event of the year.," state press notes. 

The evening will include appearances by Sutton Foster, James Earl Jones, Rosie O'Donnell and features special performances by artists from: American Ballet Theatre; BALAM Dance Theater; Ballet de Monterrey; Dance China NY; Lorena Feijoo; Sachiyo Ito; The Joffrey Ballet; Eric Lewis; Luna Negra Dance Theatre; National Dance Institute of New Mexico; Ologunde; Parul Shah Dance Co.; Billy Porter; Noah Racey; Pilar Rioja; Rosie's Broadway Kids; Sounds of Korea; Thunderbird American Indian Dancers; Mr. Wiggles, plus more stars and surprises.  It will be produced and directed by Ann Marie DeAngelo and written by Deborah Grace Winer.  As in the past, the Gala will feature some world premieres that are especially created for the show (artists and program subject to change).

The annual event is a benefit for Career Transition For Dancers. With offices in New York and Los Angeles, CTFD has helped over 3,200 professional dancers identify their unique talents in preparation for establishing new careers when dance is no longer an option.         

Show only tickets are available for $125, $75, $55 and $45 by calling CityTix (212) 581-1212 / www.nycitycenter.org.  Gala tickets are $600 & $1,000 each, which include the performance and a post-performance 'Anniversary Waltz Supper with the Stars,' auction and dancing at the Grand Ballroom at the Hilton New York. Sponsorships and tables are also available as well as Journal ads. 

For gala tickets please call Marjorie Horne, McEvoy & Assocs. at (212) 228-7446 x33 and for Group Sales please call (718) 499-9691. The phone number for CTFD is (212) 764-0172.  Visit www.careertransition.org for more information.