Bette Midler, "The Showgirl Must Go On"

Bette Midler announced today that the final performance of her critically acclaimed Las Vegas show The Showgirl Must Go On will be Sunday, January 31, 2010. The final performance will mark the end of her two-year residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace which began on February 20, 2008.

“What a fabulous two years this has been, and I thank AEG and Caesars Palace for the best partnership a showgirl could imagine. Who knows? These legs have had such a great run in the desert—it may be time to haul them to places with more humidity and fewer slot machines. But first I need to finish recording my album of the sexiest new love songs that only a showgirl could sing,” stated Midler.

“Bette is one of the most talented, hard working professionals in the business and we would have loved for her to stay longer, said John Meglen, co-CEO and President of AEG Live/Concerts West. “All of us at AEG Live thank Bette and the entire cast, crew and staff for a great two year run at The Colosseum.”

“Like every one of her performances, the approaching finale of Bette’s two-year engagement leaves us applauding for more,” said Gary Selesner, president of Caesars Palace. “Bette always will have a home at Caesars Palace.”

The Showgirl Must Go On will perform November 7 -15 and December 30 – January 31, 2010. The show is dark Monday, Thursday and occasional Fridays. Tickets for these final performances are on-sale now at Ticketmaster.com, keyword “Bette Midler”, by calling 1-877-7BETTEM (723-8836), or in person at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Box Office, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Toni Basil, choreographer for Bette Midler The Showgirl Must Go On  and recent recipient of the “International Living Legend of Hip Hop” Award, engaged with young students in the Academy of Nevada Ballet in a special, one-time master class in hip hop.

This special master class is part of the Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Summer Intensive program, an invaluable three week program for aspiring young dancers who wish to further their knowledge in the art form of dance.

Beginning Monday, July 27 through Friday, August 14 with 25 classes a week in Technique, Repertoire, Modern, Pilates, Variations and Ballet History, the Summer Intensive offers students a focused environment in which to advance their skills.

 Here are some pictuers of Toni working with the kids!

Toni Basil Teaching

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Sunday night, Bette Midler celebrated her 100th show in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace.  She told the audience that she’s ready for 100 more!  She was presented with flowers and a standing ovation.

Photo Credit: Erik Kabik/RETNA

Photo Credit: Erik Kabik/RETNA

 A Strip headliner has been named Woman of the Year by the Nevada Ballet Theatre. The honor will be bestowed upon the ’Divine Miss M’ in January at their 2009 Black and White Ball. The theatre chose her for Midler’s iconic roles in stage performance, whether it is wowing audiences with her singing or making them laugh with her comedy.