Show Biz

Just hours before the Emmy's, when current Hollywood stars gather to congratulate themselves, there was a showbiz gathering of another kind across town. It was Miriam Nelson's Birthday party at the Hillcrest Country Club.

I met Miriam through Sandi. Miriam is a choreographer and dancer who has a biography of film television, specials and just about anything else you can think of. Miriam hired Sandi to dance at the Disneyland "Golden Horseshoe Review" back in the 70's and several years ago hired her to assist in the choreography of the SHARE show, which is a big charity show produced each year. We go to the same church as Miriam, along with a disproportionate number of other dancers, so I have become friends with her too.

It was old Hollywood that was represented at the party. The top dancers and choreographers of their day were there. The former head of Paramount pictures, old movie stars, early television actors and actresses and lots and lots of dancers who have interacted with Miriam over the years. She strides the gap between Hollywood the way it was and how it is now. There was a proportionate number of younger dancers that have become connected to Miraim.

Some attendees did a little dance number with new lyrics to celebrate her day. Her son who is an Academy Award nominated editor put together a video of the clips of her career. People got up and toasted this wonderful lady and her life. When it was her turn she took the microphone she went around the room and told a quick story about everyone at every table at the party which numbered over 150 people. If it was someone's date or significant other whom she didn't know that well, she just mentioned them by name and how glad she was that they were there. Her memory and recall perfectly in tack.

Last week she had a book signing of her new Biography called "My Life Dancing with the Stars". Blake Edwards and Julie Andrews wrote the forward. She is making plans to work and travel as a lecturer and her "one woman show" is about to open in the next few months her in town. She splits her time between LA and New York with her friend Marge Champion.

Miriam is a lady, a wonderful lady with a sparkle in her eye. She has never said a bad word about anyone or anything, her energy is boundless and her love seems to over flow. It is impossible to know her and not love her. She had one of her great-grandchildren with her yesterday. The ten year old is taking dance.

Miriam turned 90 yesterday. If life at 90 can be this full and this exciting... sign me up for Ballet Class tomorrow. Dancers seem to know how to express life to the fullest.

Here is to all the lovely dancers in my life. I was lucky enough to fall into their world and fortunate enough to stay.

As you were,
Jay