Loving Lythgoe (Nigel, That Is…)

By Victoria Looseleaf

While we recover from our lightning fast trip to Parma (that’s Italy and the home of Parmesan cheese and culatello, not Ohio, home to the Buckeyes), we’re thrilled that the one and only Nigel Lythgoe recently received the Rolex Award at the Career Transitions for Dancers’ 26th annual Anniversary Jubilee. Hosted by Rolex Watch U.S.A., this year the event honors one of Britain’s most famous exports, Lythgoe, who is not only executive producer of the American Idol juggernaut, but also the creator, executive producer and resident judge of So You Think You Can Dance.

Lythgoe follows in the esteemed footsteps of erstwhile Rolex recipients that include Debbie Allen, Bebe Neuwirth, Ann Reinking, Twlya Tharp, and Patrick Swayze (in photo below with Jennifer Grey). Alas, since the event is being held at New York’s City Center, we shall not be there to personally congratulate the man himself.

But we did have the honor of interviewing Mr. Lythgoe for Dance Magazine, way back in 2007, so click here to read that story. Check out, as well, Dizzy Feet Foundation, the organization Lythgoe co-founded in 2009. Helping underprivileged young people realize their dreams of becoming professional dancers, Dizzy Feet also supports, improves and increases access to dance education in the United States, which, as we know, is no easy feet, er, feat.

But we digress: Those in attendance at the gala surely had a blast, as the event featured performances and a Masquerade Supper in the Hilton’s Grand Ballroom. (Note: If we were there, we’d have come dressed as the renovated Bolshoi Theatre – replete with stage, dressing rooms and performers – although Nikolay Tsiskaridze, below, panned the theater – click here to read that; and click here to read our 2006 Los Angeles Times story on the original Kings of Dance, including our interview with King Nikolay. Or perhaps we’d have been decked out as Anna Pavlova in her exquisite rendition of the Dying Swan. A ballet made for her in 1904 by Michel Fokine, it was the work that prompted Pavlova, in 1931 and on her Hague deathbed, to utter, “Bring me my Dying Swan costume.” Click here for our Dutch musings.)

In any case: Congratulations, Nigel. Long may your feet be dizzy, your energy unstoppable and your heart eternally open!

About Victoria Looseleaf

Victoria Looseleaf is an award winning arts journalist and regular contributor to the Los Angeles Times, KUSC-FM radio, Dance Magazine, Performances Magazine and other outlets. She roams the world covering dance, music, theater, film, food and architecture. Have pen - and iPad - will travel! Her latest book, "Isn't It Rich? A Novella In Verse" is now available on Amazon. Thank you for reading! Cheers...
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