Celebration of Dance – Burbank Film Festival – John Wayne Cancer Auxiliary Luncheon

September 29, 2016

Dizzy Feet Foundation, founded by Nigel Lythgoe (“American Idol,” “So You Think You Can Dance”) and director Adam Shankman (“Hairspray,” “Rock of Ages”) presented their sixth Annual Celebration of Dance. Derek and Julianne Hough (“Dancing With The Stars”) received the Inspiration Award; and dancing legend, Mitzi Gaynor received her award from Paula Abdul. Adorable Mitzi has sung and danced her way through countless movie musicals including “Les Girls,” “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” and, of course, her star performance as Nurse Nellie in “South Pacific.” The 85-year-old actress, who also is president of the Professional Dancer’s Society, had a recent accident and was in a wheel chair, but her personality and effervescence was still intact.

Sir Matthew Bourne received the Gene Kelly Legacy Award from Kelly’s widow, Patricia Ward Kelly. Patricia, noted as a writer and producer, is trustee of Gene’s estate and has presented “An Evening with Mrs. Gene Kelly” throughout the world.

Mitzi Gaynor

Mitzi Gaynor

Performers that evening included Maddie Ziegler, Travis Wall, and American Ballet Theater’s Marcelo Gomes and Aaron Scott. All proceeds benefitted the Dizzy Feet Foundation, whose mission is to support dance education programs to children in low-income areas.

Julianne and Derek Hough

Julianne and Derek Hough

The recently-departed producer Gary Marshall and his family were honored at the eighth Annual Burbank International Film Festival. A special award was created in his honor, which will be presented every year. Kate French was lauded as Best Actress for “Last Man Club” (which also was honored as best drama feature), and Marcos Taylor was named Best Actor for his role in “Paying Mr. McGetty.”

I could not resist this photo taken a few years ago with Gary Marshall and Placido Domingo, who I saw last night at the Gala Opening of the Los Angeles Opera.

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Still overwhelmed by his performance in Macbeth. But more on that in my Social City News column next week

Nigel Lythgoe and Adam Shankman

Nigel Lythgoe and Adam Shankman

Meanwhile keep October 19 open for the John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary Luncheon at the Beverly Wilshire. This year’s honorees are Sheri Roseblum and Jason Jeraids, who are both hard working members of the organization. The 33-year-old auxiliary, created in the “Dukes’” name, is supported by his dedicated family, and has raised over $19 million in an effort to defeat this dreaded disease. For ticket info contact Amanda Flores at 562.221.8772.

Celebration of Dance – Burbank Film Festival – John Wayne Cancer Auxiliary Luncheon

September 20, 2016
Co-Founders, Dizzy Feet – Nigel Lythgoe and Adam Shankman

Dizzy Feet Foundation, founded by Nigel Lythgoe (American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance) & Director Adam Shankman (Hairspray, Rock of Ages) presented their sixth Annual Celebration of Dance. Derek & Julianne Hough (Dancing With the Stars) received the Inspiration Award;

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Julianne and Derek Hough

& Dancing Legend, Mitzi Gaynor, who received her Award from Paula Abdul. Adorable Mitzi who sang & danced her way thru countless movie musicals including Les Girls, There’s no Business like Show Business, &, of course, her star performance as Nurse Nellie in South Pacific. The 85-year-old actress, who also is President of the Professional Dancer’s Society, has a recent accident & was in a wheelchair, but her personality & effervescence was still intact.

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: (L-R) Dancer Fabrice Calmels and honoree Mitzi Gayor and guest presenter attend the 6th Annual Celebration of Dance Gala Presented by The Dizzy Feet Foundation at The Novo by Microsoft on September 10, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Dizzy Feet Foundation)

Mitzi Gaynor with dancer Fabrice Colmels and guest presenter at Dizzy Feet

Sir Matthew Bourne received the Gene Kelly Legacy Award from Kelly’s widow, Patricia Ward Kelly. Patricia, noted as a writer & producer, is Trustee of Gene’s’ estate & has presented “An Evening with Mrs. Gene Kelly” throughout the world.

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Writer Patricia Ward Kelly attends the 6th Annual Celebration of Dance Gala Presented by The Dizzy Feet Foundation at The Novo by Microsoft on September 10, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Dizzy Feet Foundation)

Patricia Ward Kelly at Dizzy Feet

Performers that evening included Maddie Ziegler,Travis Wall and American Ballet Theater’s Marcelo Gomes & Aaron Scott. All proceeds benefitted the Dizzy Feet Foundation, whose mission is to support dance education programs to children in low-income areas.

The recently departed Producer Garry Marshall and his family were honored at the eighth Annual Burbank International Film Festival. A special Award was created in his honor, which will be presented every year. Kate French was lauded as Best Actress for Last Man Club (which also was honored as best drama feature,) and Marcos Taylor was named Best Actor for his role in Paying Mr. McGetty.

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Columnist Marci Weiner with Garry Marshall and Placido Domingo

I could not resist this photo taken a few years ago with Garry Marshall and Placido Domingo, who I saw last night at the Gala Opening of the Los Angeles Opera.

Still overwhelmed by his performance in Macbeth. But more on that in my Hollywood Beat column next week

Meanwhile keep Oct 19th open for the John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary Luncheon at the Beverly Wilshire. This years’ honorees are Sheri Roseblum & Jason Jeraids, who are both hard working members of the organization. The 33-year-old Auxiliary, created in the “Dukes”name, is supported by his dedicated family, and has raised over $19 million dollars to defeat this dread disease.  For ticket info –please contact Amanda Flores at 562.221.8772

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