The best afternoon you can spend in Tinsletown is at the annual Professional Dancers Society event, where the glorious Gypsy Awards are presented.
Prior winners include Carol Burnett, Rita Moreno, Dick Van Dyke and Paula Abdul. This year, the honorees were Academy Award winner George Chakiris and acclaimed dancer Barrie Chase. Gorgeous George, best known for his iconic role in “West Side Story,” has also appeared on Broadway and in television shows including “Wonder Woman,” “Hawaii Five-O” and “Dallas.”
Barrie Chase danced her way into a slew of Hollywood musicals including, “Brigadoon,” “Kismet” and “Pal Joey.” She worked with leading choreographers Hermes Pan, Bob Fosse and Bob Sidney, and ended up as Fred Astaire’s dancing partner in “Silk Stockings” and several TV specials.
Grammy and Emmy nominee Toni Basil, who brought “street dancing” into the mainstream, was honored for her contribution to the world of dance. The Professional Dancers society is an affiliate of The Actors Fund of America, which assists former performers. It is dedicated to the welfare of all entertainment professionals, and assists with low-income housing, plus retirement and nursing facilities for former performers.
Kudos to PDS President Mitzi Gaynor, Board Chairman Joni Berry and all the legendary dancers who made this afternoon a memorable experience.
SHARE is celebrating 65 years of philanthropy with its annual Boomtown Gala honoring Loreen Arbus and featuring a performance by the Righteous Brothers. The event is being held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on May 20 and it’s an evening you won’t want to miss!
This year’s event will invoke old Hollywood glamour, and, as usual, Western garb is de rigueur. Arbus will receive the Shining Spirit Award for her foundation’s tireless work, which provides medical research for those with disabilities, supports racial and gender minorities and environmental causes.
We have attended SHARE events for many years where honorees have included Jamie Lee Curtis, Sharon Stone and Bruce Willis. Past performers included and Frank Sinatra, KD Lang & Jennifer Holliday. SHARE is the oldest and most noteworthy charity, and they have raised more than $65 million for those in need. Current members include Corinna Fields, Joan Kardashian and my pal September Sarno, who no doubt will dance her gorgeous gams off in the Boomtown Show. For more information please call 310.274.5361. Hope to see you there!
