DLShannon_transitions_MAINCareer Transition for Dancers celebrated their 30th anniversary with a pearl gala this year at the New York City Center. Since the company was formed in 1985, Career Transition for Dancers has raised over $8 million to support dancers who wish to transition into the next stage of life.

It was a star-studded gala with some of the world’s greatest artists from all over the world who came to perform in the gala. Dancers from New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Parsons Dance Company, and a special performance of “All That Jazz” lead by the one and only Bebe Neuwirth from the original cast of Chicago. It was an unforgettable and memorable performance that brought the audience to their feet in a standing ovation.

Michael Douglas and Catharine Zeta-Jones made a special appearance to present this year’s Rolex Dance Award to Shirley MacLaine who gave an incredibly inspirational speech before accepting her beautiful prize, a Rolex Watch.

The pearl gala raised over $150,000 dollars that will help enable dancers to define their career possibilities and develop skills necessary to excel in post-performance professions. Career Transition for Dancers deserves a special thank you for all they have done to help dancers for the past thirty years and how many lives have been positively changed by their organization.