The Nevada Ballet Theatre Presents a One-Night Only Gala in Celebration of its Co-Founder and Board Co-Chair Nancy Houssels, 2/21

Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) announces a spectacular one-night only gala and performance in celebration of its beloved Co-Founder and Board Co-Chair Nancy Houssels. Featuring a dazzling variety of works and special guest artists, this jubilant celebration of dance will be presented on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 7:30 pm at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Ticket prices begin at $29 (plus fees) and may be ordered by calling The Smith Center for the Performing Arts Box Office at (702) 749-2000 or by visiting www.nevadaballet.org.

Halfway through its 43rd season and marking its third year as Resident Ballet Company of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, NBT will heighten its winter season with this once-in-a-lifetime evening. An exciting night of classical and contemporary entertainment will include renowned urban dancer Lil Buck, who will captivate audiences with his meaningful rendition of "The Swan" while NBT's professional company will bring to life the beauty of Swan Lake Act II, staged by famed former ballerina, Cynthia Gregory. Musical Genius Frankie Moreno will perform as part of a special collaboration with dancers from NBT, choreographed by Artistic Director James Canfield as special performances from some of the ballet world's most acclaimed dancers round out this historical evening.

"We are delighted to present a beautiful evening of dance in celebration of NBT's Co-Founder and Board Co-Chair, Nancy Houssels, a true Las Vegas luminary, philanthropist and trailblazer," said NBT Executive Director & CEO Beth Barbre. "From hip urban street dance to the beauty of one of classical ballet's most enduring works, we know audiences will enjoy this unforgettable collection of performances while feting one of our city's greatest treasures."

Las Vegas resident and Celebrated Street Dancer Charles "Lil Buck" Riley will make his Smith Center debut with his acclaimed performance of "The Swan" (Camille Saint-Saens, Carnival of the Animals). Made famous by his 2011 collaboration with famed Cellist Yo Yo Ma, "The Swan" quickly gained viral popularity and instantly raised Buck's visibility among the dance and entertainment industry. After being discovered by former New York City Ballet Principal Dancers Damian Woetzel and Heather Watts, this Jookin' artist and urban street performer soon booked performances with Madonna, national ads for the GAP and was named one of "The Most Influential People of 2011" by Dance Spirit Magazine and one of "25 to Watch" in 2012 by Dance Magazine. In 2013, Lil Buck performed in Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil and most recently was featured on the cover of the November 2014 issue of the Wall Street Journal Magazine (WSJ) with Supermodel Joan Smalls.

This impressive evening of performances will culminate with a unique work combining "Vegas Headliner of the Year" Frankie Moreno and dancers from NBT's professional company. Backed by an eight-piece musical ensemble of accomplished local musicians, Moreno and NBT will bring to life the beauty of live music and dance, through a specially choreographed musical celebration by James Canfield.

"From the minute the curtain rises, this very special evening will speak to the power of dance and its ability to glorify and celebrate the diversity of artists," said Artistic Director James Canfield. "I approached Las Vegas' own Frankie Moreno to collaborate with as I felt his music, energy and showmanship would bring the most powerful elements of this night together: humanity, artists, and most of all, significant milestones. "

An accomplished singer, songwriter and all-around showman, Moreno quickly became a favorite among locals with his resident show at the Stratosphere. A child prodigy pianist who made his debut on CBS' "Star Search" at the age of ten, Moreno has performed on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" and performs regularly with Grammy-Award Winning violinist Joshua Bell.

Comprising some of Moreno's best known hits including "Tangerine Honey" and "Black Mascara," as well as one brand-new song, this world premiere performance will jazz up The Smith Center stage, ending with a surprise grand finale in tribute to Nancy Houssels.

ABOUT NEVADA BALLET THEATRE

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. For more information, visit NBT on the web:www.nevadaballet.org; Like NBT on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NevadaBalletTheatre or Tweet: @NVBallet.