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For the Love

of Dance

Come the end of January, Nevada’socrème de la crème will gather for one of Las Vegas’ glitziest and most-anticipated soirees – Nevada Ballet Theatre’s annual Black & White Ball. One of the most highly attended events of the social season hosting an array of local celebrities, dignitaries, VIP’s and arts supporters, this star-studded gala has enabled NBT to present professional company dance productions, quality dance instruction within its affiliated Academy and expose students in at-risk communities to the art form of dance through its outreach program, Future Dance.

This year, actress, producer, philanthropist and activist Eva Longoria, will be honored as its ‘Woman of the Year.’

“Eva is a talented performer who maintains a giving spirit in her career,” said NBT Co-Founder and Co-Chairwoman Nancy Houssels. “Her charitable work is impressive, specifically her work with “Eva’s Heroes” which she founded. We are excited to celebrate her many accomplishments, shed light on her philanthropic endeavors – a side not often seen by the public – and welcome her as a part of the NBT family.”

Past honorees of the Black & White Ball include luminaries of the stage and screen such as Debbie Reynolds, Chita Rivera, Celine Dion, Bette Midler, Marie Osmond and most recently, Priscilla Presley. Nevada Ballet Theatre honored these legendary women for their dedication to the world of arts and entertainment and many of them have enjoyed a special connection to Las Vegas. 

Golden Globe-nominated, Screen Actors Guild and ALMA Award-winning  actress Longoria currently stars as “Gabrielle Solis” on the ABC hit series, “Desperate Housewives.” The show has more than 30 million viewers in the United States and is shown in over 208 countries around the world. Longoria has received numerous awards, including a People’s Choice Award for “Favorite Female TV Star,” Teen Choice Award, TV Guide’s “TV’s Sexiest Star,” People’s “50 Most Beautiful People, People En EspañolTs “50 Mas Bellos,” Rolling Stone’s “People of the Year,” and was ranked three years in a row in the prestigious FORBES Celebrity 100, as well as two years in a row as the “#1 Hottest Woman in the World” on Maxim’s annual “Hot 100” list. Additionally she was named “Philanthropist of the Year” by the Hollywood Reporter, and was recently selected as an honoree for Variety’s “Power of Women Awards” among many others.

Longoria’s upcoming film projects include “Baytown Disco,” in which she stars alongside Billy Bob Thornton; as well as “Cristiada,” a period piece set in Mexico and co-stars Andy Garcia and Peter O’Toole.

Longoria has been both host and executive producer of the National Council of La Raza ALMA Awards, which honors Latino artistic achievement in the television, film and music industry. Longoria is an executive producer in collaboration with Academy Award-nominated Shine Global for the documentary film “The Harvest.” Additionally, Longoria was selected by Glamour Magazine to direct a sREEL MomentsR short film based on true-life stories of Glamour readers, joining the ranks of past celebrity directors such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston and Demi Moore.

Longoria’s other ventures include opening Beso, a steakhouse and bar; and EVE, a nightclub. In April of last year, she launched EVA by Eva Longoria, her first fragrance. She has also authored a best-selling cookbook, “Eva’s Kitchen: Cooking With Love for Family and Friends.”

Longoria is the international spokesperson for L’Oreal Paris. She also serves as the national spokesperson for PADRES Contra El Cáncer (Parents Against Cancer), a nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of life for Latino children with cancer and their families by addressing the needs of the entire family. In addition to PADRES, Longoria founded the non-profit organization “Eva’s Heroes,” which is dedicated to enriching the lives of young adults with developmental challenges by providing an inclusive setting built on the four tenets of interact, grow, learn, and love. Longoria was also selected as one of 12 female celebrities, including Sienna Miller, Milla Jovovich, Susan Sarandon and  Helen Hunt to take part in the “Montblanc Signature for Good” charity initiative to benefit UNICEF’s battle against illiteracy.

Longoria works closely with the United Farm Workers, the National Council of La Raza, the Dolores Huerta Foundation, and is on the board of directors of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. In addition, she was appointed by Nancy Pelosi to the National Museum of the American Latino Commission. Longoria is invited to speak all over the country on issues pertaining to philanthropy, civil rights, labor issues, literacy, education, poverty and disabilities and proves that ambition can be applied to philanthropic ventures, as well as a successful career that knows no boundaries, both in the United States and around the world.