Gypsy Awards Salute Leslie Caron & Kuba Ka Joins Force with Versace
One event we never miss is the Annual Gypsy Awards, sponsored by the Professional Dancers Society. This non-profit organization, an affiliate of the Actors Fund, was formed to serve professional dancers, including low-cost housing, retirement & nursing facilities for all performers — active or inactive. This year, Award Winning actress and dancer, Leslie Caron, who was discovered by Gene Kelly in 1950 to co-star in An American in Paris, and later starred in such box office hits as Gigi and Daddy Long Legs, jetted in from France to accept her award.
Author Stephen Maitland Lewis with Mitzi Gaynor (President of PDS)
The still charming gamine continues to work internationally on stage, screen, and TV, and has not only won Oscars, but Tonys, Emmys and Golden Globes. She had the privilege of dancing with both Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, and their scions; Ava Astaire (Fred’s daughter) and Patricia Ward Kelly (Gene’s widow) were on hand to honor her. Speaking of Dancing Legends, Dick Van Dyke, Chita Rivera, and, of course, President of PDS, Mitzi Gaynor, spoke enthusiastically about their lifelong love of the art of dance.
Also honored were famed choreographers Dee Dee Wood and the late Marc Breaux whose numerous credits include The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins and many others.
Choreographer Dee Dee Wood, Joni Berry & Dick Van Dyke
Included in the spectacular show were a montage of Caron’s extraordinary career, and a salute of Can Can Dancers featuring Tyce Diorio &others from the Carousel Dance Company. There was also a tribute to the amazing Shirley Temple who passed away recently. Seeing Shirley stepping lively on screen at 5 years old, was a thrill to us all.
Kudos to philanthropist & Board Chairman, Joni Berry, and her Eichenbaum Foundation, who underwrote the event; and her English Author hubby, Stephen Maitland Lewis, whose current novel, Botticell’s Bastard, is certain to be a best seller!
Leslie Caron with Patricia Ward Kelly & Ava Astaire
At another event at the Peninsula Hotel, pop entertainer KUBA Ka, together with Versace unveiled the First Pop Artist Superhero & Kuba’s third CD album — The Titan. This soiree benefited Face Forward Foundation for victims of violence.
The Kuba Ka Empire on the Avenue of the Stars, believes his collaboration with Versace is a natural. As the handsome pop artist stated, “It is a magical experience to partner with such an epic designer, and Donatella is the Empress of Fashion.”
Kuba Ka with his pet albino Anaconda Zeus & Actress Maitland Ward
Many celebs attended the event including Corey Feldman and actress Maitland Ward.
Kudos to PR Wiz Edward Lozzi for launching a spectacular fashion event for this Superstar entertainer, designer & philanthropist who has now embarked in our own CenturyCity.
NEWS FLASH: The Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival is arriving for one week — May 1-8th, and will screen films that were “chosen” from around the world that celebrate Jewish heritage & experience. Their opening night gala will honor Carl Reiner, and tribute to Sid Caesar. It is also the inaugural event for the newly named Tisch Cinema Center at the Saban Theatre, in Beverly Hills Check out their website at www.lajfilmfest.org for further info. Hope to see you there!
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