Chita Rivera will be the recipient of the First Annual Texas Ballet Theater Performing Arts Award. The award was created to honor deserving individuals that have made a lasting impact on the performing arts. In its inaugural year, Rivera was chosen for her contributions to the world of dance. “No one is more deserving than Chita for her lifetime of excellence in the performing arts,” said Ben Stevenson, artistic director of Texas Ballet Theater.
Chita Rivera has won two Tony Awards (Kiss of the Spider Woman; The Rink) and received seven additional Tony nominations. She recently starred on Broadway in Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life, a dazzling new musical celebrating her astonishing career (which will tour in 2007), and the revival of the musical Nine with Antonio Banderas. Chita received the coveted Kennedy Center Honor in Washington, D.C. in December, 2002, and is the first Hispanic ever chosen to receive this award. She trained as a ballerina (from age 11) before receiving a scholarship to the American School of Ballet from legendary George Balanchine. Chita’s first appearance (age 17) was in the chorus of Call Me Madam. Her electric performance as Anita in the Broadway premiere of West Side Story (1957) brought her stardom; she repeated the role in London. Her career is highlighted by starring roles in Bye Bye Birdie, Chicago, Jerry’s Girls and (original Broadway casts) Guys and Dolls, Can-Can, Seventh Heaven and Mr. Wonderful. Her most treasured production is her daughter, singer/dancer/choreographer Lisa Mordente.
A Golden Evening celebration dinner honoring Ms. Rivera will immediately follow the September 29 performance of the Texas Ballet Theater’s first production of the 2006-2007 season, Majest Ballet Gala, which will open at the Majestic Theatre in Dallas at 7:00 pm. Hosted by Mrs. Bart Humphrey and Mrs. Richard Kumpf, the dinner will take place at the Dallas Petroleum Club, 2200 Ross Avenue, at approximately 9:30 pm. (Cocktail attire is appropriate.) Dinner and Performance Packages are priced at $1,750-$25,000, with Individual Dinner and Performance Tickets available for $325. Individual Tickets for the Dinner Only may be purchased for $175.
For further information, please call 214.369.5200, ext. 104 or 817.763.0207, ext. 104.
