Patrick Swayze to Receive Rolex Dance Award November 2

Rolex presents "AMERICA DANCES! Celebrating Our Sparkling Heritage - Broadway, TV & Film"- Career Transition For Dancers' 24th Anniversary Jubilee on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 7:00 pm at New York City Center, 131 West 55 Street (bet. 7 & 6 Aves) NYC. It will be followed by an Anniversary Supper with the Stars at The Grand Ballroom at The Hilton New York. The Rolex Dance Award will be given to Patrick Swayze.

"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.," said Allen Brill, President and CEO of Rolex Watch USA. 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 is 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. He currently stars in the A&E television FBI drama "The Beast."

"AMERICA DANCES! Celebrating Our Sparkling Heritage - Broadway, TV & Film" 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 will be the entertainment-dance event of the new season. The spectacular evening will include appearances by dance companies, musicians, dancers from major TV shows, stars and surprises. It is produced & directed by Ann Marie DeAngelo. The host and other honorees for the Gala will be announced later.

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

Gala tickets are $600, $750 & $1,200 each, which include the performance and a post-performance ‘Anniversary Supper with the Stars', live auction and dancing at The Grand Ballroom at The Hilton New York. Sponsorships and tables are also available, as well as Jubilee 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. Show only tickets are $130, $75, $55 and $45.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

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