Congratulations to choreographer Bob Avian, who received the Richard Rodgers Award For Distinguished Service To The Performing Arts, May 5 at NYC's Hudson Theatre.

Avian, who won a Tony in 1976 for co-choreographing A Chorus Line and another for Ballroom, began his career as a dancer in the original West Side Story. He then worked with Michael Bennett on Promises, Promises; Coco; Company and Follies. His most recent choreographic assignment was London's Martin Guerre, for which he won the Olivier Award.

This year's Richard Rodgers Award will be bestowed by Honorary Chair Cameron Mackintosh, producer of Miss Saigon) which was choreographed by Avian. Members of the benefit committee expected to attend are Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Leslie Uggams, Ted Chapin, Mary Rodgers, Patti LuPone, Anne Reinking and Arthur Mitchell.

NYC Ballet principal dancer Peter Boal will perform, as will several grade school musicians -- appropriate, because the evening benefits The Professional Children's School, since 1914 a place where "professional and pre-professional young people can combine a strong academic background with their careers." Alumni include Jonathan Silverman and Uma Thurman.

For tickets ($375) and information on the Professional Children's School Spring Benefit, call (212) 582-3116. --By David Lefkowitz