'Elliott' Waltzes to Astaire Nominations

Billy Elliot is dancing all over the theatre awards this season. In addition to reaping 15 Tony nominations and winning the New York Drama Critics Circle Award, the musical version of the hit movie has also received three Astaire Award nominations. Named for the legendary film star Fred Astaire and his sister and dance partner Adele, the awards honor dance on stage and in film. The nominations were announced May 5 at Elaine's Restaurant by Michael Reidel, theatre columnist of the New York Post. 

The awards will be presented on June 1 at the Haft Auditorium at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan. Alan Cumming will host. Liza Minnelli will present the 2009 Douglas Watt Lifetime Achievement Award to Stanley Donen, director and choreographer of such Hollywood dance classics as Singin' in the Rain and On the Town. Other scheduled presenters include Tony Danza, Bebe Neuwirth, and Geoffrey Rush. 

A complete list of Astaire Award nominees follows:

Best Broadway Choreographer Nominees

9 to 5:  Andy Blankenbuehler
Hair:  Karole Armitage
Billy Elliot:  Peter Darling
Guys and Dolls:  Sergio Trujillo
Pal Joey:  Graciela Daniele

Best Film Choreographer Nominees

Mamma Mia:  Anthony Van Laast
Slumdog Millionaire:  Longines Fernandes
Center Stage Turn It Up:  Aakomon "AJ" Jones
Make It Happen:  Tracy Phillips
Fados:  Patrick De Bana and Pedro Gomes
High School Musical 3:  Kenny Ortega
Were the World Mine:  Todd Underwood

Best Female Dancer Nominees

West Side Story:  Karen Olivo
Rock Of Ages:  Angel Reed, Katherine Tokarz, Savannah Wise
Guys and Dolls:  Kearran Giovanni
You're Welcome America. A Final Night with George W Bush:  Pia Glenn

Best Male Dancer Nominees

Billy Elliot – role of Billy:  David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish
Billy Elliot – role of Michael:  David Bologna, Frank Dolce
White Christmas:  Jeffry Denman
Pal Joey:  Matthew Risch