Photo Flash: Pre-Gala Reception for Career Transitions for Dancers' BROADWAY & BEYOND! Jubilee

Philanthropists Ann & William Van Ness hosted a Pre-Gala Cocktail Reception at their elegant Upper East Side townhouse home, Tuesday, September 10 to celebrate ROLEX presents BROADWAY & BEYOND! Celebrating Theatre & Dance - Career Transition For Dancers' 28th Anniversary Jubilee. Friends and supporters sipped champagne and nibbled on exquisite hors d'oeuvres while learning about the exciting plans for the upcoming gala and the incredible live auction that will take place at the grand affair. Among those in attendance were Anka Palitz, Robert Bradford & Barbara Taylor Bradford, Michele Herbert, Fran & Barry Weissler, Patricia & Thomas Shiah, Fe Fendi, Cynthia Fisher, Alex Dube, Aubrey Lynch, Jerry & Susan Baker, Vicki & Christopher Kellogg and scores of dance world luminaries and patrons. Scroll down for photos from the event!

The annual benefit always one of the highlights of the fall season is Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at 7pm at New York City Center, 131 West 55 Street (btwn. 6th & 7th Ave) NYC, 10019.

The annual Rolex Dance Award will be given to Ann-Margret. The super-star is a two-time Academy Award Nominee, winner of 5 Golden Globes, an Emmy Award winner and a Grammy Nominee. Liza Minnelli, winner of four Tony Awards, an Oscar, a special "Legends" Grammy, two Golden Globe Awards an Emmy, and the recipient of the 2012 Rolex Dance Award will present the award toAnn-Margret. The non-stop evening of performances by the dance & theater world's greatest stars will once agin be produced and directed by the brilliant Ann Marie DeAngelo.

The Outstanding Contributions to the World of Dance Awards will be given to Ann Van Ness and Harlequin Floors. Ann Van Nesshas been involved in various lifelong efforts to improve the quality of life for others through compassionate philanthropy. Harlequin Floors is recognized as the world leader in advanced technology sprung and vinyl flooring for the dance and performing arts communities.

The electrifying performance will be followed by dinner at the Grand Ballroom at the Hilton New York.

Patron tickets are $600, $750 and $1,200 each. Patron tickets and tables include premium performance seating, post-performance 'Supper with the Stars,' dancing and a live auction at The Grand Ballroom at the Hilton New York. Journal ads are also available. For gala information and tickets, call Marjorie Horne, McEvoy & Assocs. at 212-228-7446 x33. Performance-only tickets are also available at $45, $55, $75, $90 and $130. They can be bought at the City Center Box Office, or by contacting CITYTIX at 212 581-1212 or on the web at nycitycenter.org.