Nevada Ballet Theatre Names Dance Legend Twyla Tharp As 'Woman Of The Year' For Its 2008 Black & White Ball

LAS VEGAS, CA. (Top40 Charts/ Nevada Ballet Theatre) - Think cutting-edge movements set to classical music, jazz and pop; dancer, choreographer, teacher and innovator. One hundred and thirty-five works, five Hollywood movies, three Broadway shows, two books, a Tony Award, and two Emmy Awards later, Twyla Tharp will be honored as Nevada Ballet Theatre's Woman of the Year 2008 at The Black & White Ball on Saturday, January 26, 2008 at Wynn Las Vegas.

As the ballet's largest fundraiser, Nevada Ballet Theatre's Black & White Ball has become locally famous over the course of twenty-three years, honoring well-known women who have contributed to the performing arts and beyond. An annual event, The Black & White Ball is considered to be one of the premiere social events in Las Vegas and generates a vast amount of local and national press.

Executive Director Beth Barbre remarks, "Each year, Nevada Ballet Theatre's Black & White Ball pays tribute to an inspirational woman whose life and career has impacted the arts. Twyla's unique ability to juxtapose, blend, bend, and shape the best of all dance forms is a talent all its own. As a classically based ballet company, Nevada Ballet Theatre is inspired by her numerous collaborations, creations, and avant-garde ideas that have taken our art form to new heights."

Nevada Ballet Theatre's past honorees read like a who's who of legendary women in the performing arts. Since 2001, Nevada Ballet Theatre has honored Debbie Reynolds (2001), Chita Rivera (2002), Carol Channing (2003) Celine Dion (2004), Ann-Margret (2005), Rita Rudner (2006) and most recently Paula Abdul (2007).

Under the direction of internationally recognized Artistic Director Bruce Steivel, Nevada Ballet Theatre is the largest professional ballet company in the state. The mission of Nevada Ballet Theatre, a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization, is to educate and inspire regional, statewide and national audiences and vitally impact community life through professional company productions, dance training and education and outreach.