Shirley MacLaine Describes Dance as 'Vertical Expression of Horizontal Desire' at Dizzy Feet Foundat...

The stars were out to celebrate dance on Saturday night in Los Angeles, though one actress in particular may have been having a wee bit more fun than the rest.

After accepting the Dizzy Feet Inspiration Award from Debbie Allen, honoree Shirley MacLaine slyly stated that dance was a “vertical expression of horizontal desire, made legitimate by music” in her acceptance speech.

Other stars honored for their commitment to dance included dancer/director/producer Damian Woetzel, who received the Gene Kelly Legacy Award from Gene’s widow, was presented to by Gene’s widow, and Haute 100-lister Henry T. Segerstrom.

The benefit, which was held on National Dance Day, raised more than $500,000 for the arts and featured performances from dance greats, TV stars from “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing With the Stars” as well as performers from the Alvin Ailey Dance School.

The evening kicked off with a high-energy number to Donna Summer’s “Last Dance” and featured cameos from “SYTYCD” cast members Mary Murphy, Mandy Moore, Tyce Diorio, Twitch Boss and Melanie Moore.

Other highlights included a tap solo by “America’s Got Talent” star Anthony Morigerato, a sexy paso doble by “DWTS” partners Derek Hough and Maria Menounos and a performance from the stars of Nigel Lythgoe’s Ovation Network reality series “A Chance to Dance.”

Other stars on hand at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion included Dizzy Feet board member Adam Shankman, Ricki Lake, Harry Shum Jr., Summer Glau, Carmen Electra,  and Chord Overstreet.

Dizzy Feet is a non-profit organization established by Lythgoe, Shankman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Katie Holmes to advance dance education in underserved areas.

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