Guests had their dancing shoes on and were ready to go last week at “One World, A Spectacular Global Celebration,” hosted by Rolex.
The entertainment and dance event started with performances and awards at City Center, where Liza Minnelli presented Broadway star Chita Rivera with the Rolex Dance Award. Rivera received one of the firm’s signature watches and regaled the audience with a story of how she lost her own Rolex, not once, but three times.
“I love watches,” Rivera said. “They have my favorite numbers: 5, 6, 7, 8.”
The Rudolf Nureyev Dance Foundation received an award for outstanding contributions to the world of dance from Career Transition for Dancers, which has helped 3,200 dancers identify their talents when dance is no longer an option because of retirement.
“I’ve been doing this for so many years,” said Patricia Kennedy, who was co-host of the 21st annual event along with Anka K. Palitz. “It’s always so exciting.”
Actor James Earl Jones, jazz musician Eric Lewis, the American Ballet Theatre and others performed, followed by a dinner and auction at the New York Hilton.
Jeweler Aaron Basha bid $100,000 for a vacation on a private yacht in the auction that raised $1.21 million for Career Transition for Dancers.
“This night was so gorgeous, the spirit, everything was gorgeous,” said entertainer Bebe Neuwirth before heading off to dance the night away. “I look up to Rudolf Nureyev and Chita Rivera.”