NEVADA BALLET THEATRE NAMES DEBBIE GIBSON WOMAN OF THE YEAR
LAS VEGAS, NV (Monday, November 18, 2025) Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) is pleased to announce that internationally recognized superstar Debbie Gibson will be honored as its 2025 “Woman of the Year” for the 41st Annual Black & White Ball. In a career spanning nearly four decades, Gibson will be celebrated for her numerous achievements in music, theater, and philanthropy on Saturday, March 29 at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas. This star-studded affair is NBT’s largest annual fundraiser and one of the city’s most beloved charitable and society events.
Boasting an important history of honoring female trailblazers beginning with Elaine Wynn in 1985, Gibson now joins an impressive list of internationally-recognized female entertainers who have been celebrated by NBT for their artistic achievements, philanthropic contributions and connection to Las Vegas including Debbie Reynolds, Chita Rivera, Celine Dion, Rita Rudner, Paula Abdul, Marie Osmond, Priscilla Presley, Mitzi Gaynor, Debbie Allen, Olivia Newton-John, Giada De Laurentiis, Rita Moreno, Shania Twain, and most recently, Carrie Ann Inaba.
“Debbie Gibson’s contributions to the entertainment sphere are immense and her generous spirit has impacted countless charities,” said NBT President & CEO, Beth Barbre. “We look forward to a spectacular evening honoring her life and career as we share our mission of changing lives through dance.”
“I am incredibly honoured to be celebrated by Nevada Ballet Theatre which shares my vision of empowering underserved youth in the arts.” said Debbie Gibson. “I’m grateful to stand among those who have shared this honor and to contribute to its legacy. As a Las Vegas local, I look forward to celebrating the transformative power of the arts and to give back to my community.”
Gibson rose to fame in the late 1980’s as a teenage pop sensation, becoming the youngest artist to write, produce, and perform a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with her song “Foolish Beat.” Her debut album, Out of the Blue(1987), generated several international hits, including “Only in My Dreams” and “Shake Your Love,” earning her platinum status and catapulting her into global fame. Her sophomore album Electric Youth (1989) went to #1 as did her single “Lost In Your Eyes”. Over the years, Gibson has sold over 16 million albums worldwide and earned countless awards.
In addition to her pop music triumphs, Gibson has starred in theater productions such as Les Misérables, Grease, Funny Girl, and Cabaret on both Broadway and the West End. Beyond the spotlight, she dedicates her time to mentoring young performers, being an active advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and to many charitable causes in education, wellness, support for individuals living with Lyme disease and various dog rescues.
Proceeds from The Black & White Ball support all areas of NBT including its Professional Company and main stage productions at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts; its affiliated dance institution, the School of Nevada Ballet Theatre; and its successful Community Education Department that provides over 20,000 students a year with free in-school dance classes, scholarship opportunities, and access to essential arts education programs.
For information regarding table sales and tickets, please visit www.nevadaballet.org or contact NBT’s events office at 702.243.2623 ext. 258.
