Fan helped dance crew get LV break

The proudest kid in the crowd at the Jabbawockeez' V.I.P. opening Friday at Monte Carlo?

Had to be Briana Rappaport, the 16-year-old daughter of Felix Rappaport, The Mirage's new president and chief operating officer.

Two years ago she played a key role in the Jabbawockeez getting their big break in Las Vegas.

"She was 14 when she got me to watch the show 'America's Best Dance Crew' on MTV," said her dad.

"They ended up winning and she said, 'C'mon dad, you gotta bring 'em in.'" So Rappaport, who was running Luxor at the time, had a friend, Darryl Williams, set up an audition on a portable dance floor at Luxor.

Among the talent scouts attending were MGM Resorts International entertainment bookers Richard Sturm and James Trudeau.

Not long after that audition, the Jabbawockeez were booked and rebooked in the Hollywood Theater and ended up with their headliner deal at Monte Carlo.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Good news on TJ Lavin's recovery: "He's answering questions," Lavin's business partner Chas Aday told People magazine's Mark Gray. "He'll say 'yes' a little bit and he knows where he is, but he's not opening his eyes yet."

The BMX star and MTV host has been in the trauma unit of a Las Vegas hospital since an Oct. 14 bike crash during the Dew Tour event at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. ...

In Monday's column about the old-timers reunion I referred to Pete Contino, when I meant his father Dick Contino, the accordion legend. While Pete is an accordion whiz in his own right, his father, now 80, appeared on the "Ed Sullivan Show" a record 48 times.

SIGHTINGS

Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, celebrating their ninth wedding anniversary Friday with dinner at Stack (Mirage) on their way to Cirque's "Love." ... New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez and teammate Santonio Holmes, at N9NE Steakhouse (Palms) on Friday. ... On the tarmac, awaiting the arrival Friday of Air Force One and President Barack Obama: Elaine Wynn, Jenna Morton of N9NE Group, Assemblyman John Oceguera, Nevada Secretary of State Ross Miller, and "Top Chef" competitor Rick Moonen. ... Oscar-winning actor Mickey Rourke, checking out the Mob Experience on Thursday with John Enos of "Melrose Place" and "The Young and the Restless." ... Actor Hugh Grant, at "O" (Bellagio) with friends on Thursday. Later he was at Haze (Aria). Also at Haze, in separate groups: DJ Tiesto and Corey Feldman. On Wednesday, Grant was spotted playing blackjack at $100 a hand at Deuce gaming lounge (Aria). ... N9NE Steakhouse executive chef Barry Dakake, caught off guard by a surprise 40th birthday at Nove Italiano (Palms) on Wednesday.

THE PUNCH LINE

"I wish you all the love and happiness. No pressure -- but if you happen to find a husband and have 1,000 kids, I'd really be happy." -- Kris Jenner, while toasting daughter Kim Kardashian at her 30th birthday party at Tao last week.

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.