When January rolls around, all of high society’s eyes are on the Black and White Ball, the annual fund-raising event for the Nevada Ballet Theatre one of the most highly attended galas on the social calendar. Since its inception in 1985, the event has honored women luminaries in the arts, including Debbie Reynolds, Chita Rivera, Celine Dion, Bette Midler, Marie Osmond and most recently Priscilla Presley.

Now the company announces its latest Woman of the Year honoree, Eva Longoria. The actress, producer, philanthropist and activist will accept this honor during the Black and White Ball on  Jan. 28, 2012, at Aria.

“Eva is a talented performer who maintains a giving spirit in her career,” said Nevada Ballet Theater 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.”

Local celebrities, dignitaries, VIPs and arts supporters will all be on hand for the event. Since 1985, this star-studded gala has enabled the Nevada Ballet Theatre 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.

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