Jeffry Denman, Karen Olivo, Matthew Risch et al. Nominated for 2009 Astaire Awards

The 2009 Astaire Award nominations have been announced. They will be presented at a ceremony to be held at the Fashion Institute of Technology on June 1 at 7:30 pm. Alan Cumming will host.

Best Broadway Choreographer nominees include Andy Blankenbuehler (9 to 5), Karole Armitage (Hair), Peter Darling (Billy Elliot), Sergio Trujillo (Guys and Dolls), and Graciela Daniele (Pal Joey).

The Best Female Dancer nominees include Karen Olivo (West Side Story), Angel Reed, Katherine Tokarz, Savannah Wise (Rock of Ages), Kearran Giovanni (Guys & Dolls), and Pia Glenn ( You’re Welcome America. A Final Night with George W Bush). Best Male Dancer nominees include the three Billys in Billy Elliot (David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik, Kiril Kulish), as well as the two boys who play Michael (David Bologna, Frank Dolce). Also nominated are Jeffry Denman (White Christmas) and Matthew Risch (Pal Joey).

Best Film Choreographer nominees include Anthony Van Laast (Mamma Mia), Longines Fernandes (Slumdog Millionaire), Aakomon “AJ” Jones (Center Stage), Tracy Phillips (Make It Happen), Patrick De Bana and Pedro Gomes (Fados), Kenny Ortega (High School Musical 3), and Todd Underwood (Were the World Mine).

As previously announced, Liza Minnelli will present American film director and choreographer Stanley Donen with the Douglas Watt 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award. Geoffrey Rush will present the award for Best Choreography in Film, while Bebe Neuwirth will present the Best Male Dancer Award.

The nominating committee for this year’s awards include Anna Kisselgoff (New York Times), Damian Woetzel (New York City Ballet), Linda Winer (Newsday), Sylviane Gold (New York Times, Dance Magazine), and Wendy Perron (Dance Magazine).

For more information, visit www.AstaireAwards.com.