Anita Mann Reveals the ‘Important Lesson’ ‘Mentor’ Lucille Ball Taught Her Exclusive

Anita Mann, an Emmy-winning choreographer, dancer and producer, is celebrated for her dynamic contributions to television and stage entertainment. 

At just 18 years old, she danced on stage with Elvis Presley, and for six years she worked alongside comedy legend Lucille Ball on Here’s Lucy, the hit sitcom that aired from 1968 to 1974.

While helping choreograph dance sequences for the show, Mann gained invaluable behind-the-scenes experience that shaped her future as a creative leader. 

At the Dancers Against Cancer’s 2025 Gala of the Stars, Mann tells PEOPLE about how their relationship came to be. It started after she landed in Presley’s orbit, noting that she was working as an extra dancer in one of his films when she caught his eye.

Presley noticed her dancing and, impressed by her talent, she was called over to meet with the choreographer. “I thought I was in trouble,” Mann admits. 

“I didn’t know what I did wrong,” the 79-year-old adds. “But they said they’ve been watching me dance and would I assist on the next Elvis film.”

That opportunity led to her continued work with Presley on his ’68 Comeback Special, several of his movies and his Las Vegas shows. “I owe my career really, really to him,” she tells PEOPLE exclusively.

Through the choreographer who worked with Presley, Mann was introduced to Ball, who quickly became her “mentor.” 

“He was Lucille Ball’s choreographer and she mentored me for six years and taught me everything about directing,” she says. “Everything, how to shoot, how to own a studio.”

Above all else, she notes that Ball taught her to stand by her decision-making.

“The most important lesson I learned [from her] was right or wrong, be definite,” she explains. “I would come into work, and I had to be definite.”

“It wasn’t like, ‘Well, I don’t know exactly what happens…’ [but instead], ‘This is what we’re doing, Lucy. You’re going to start on this stage, on this queue and this is where we’re going.'” she recalls.

“That was a great lesson,” she adds.

Working with Ball for six seasons on Here’s Lucy, Mann learned not only the art of performance but also the deeper lessons of directing, production and leadership that shaped her future in entertainment.

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Mann went on to choreograph for the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, and even worked with his sister, Janet Jackson, when the singer was just 8 years old. 

At the Dancers Against Cancer’s 2025 Gala of the Stars, both Janet and Mann were honored with awards.

The singer, 59, took home the 2025 ICON of the Year Award, while Mann was presented with the Philanthropist of the Year award — marking a meaningful full-circle moment in her storied career.

“Tonight means so much to me as a dancer and to be recognized as a philanthropist is everything that I work for and want to be in life, is a better person, but to make life better for other people,” she tells PEOPLE.

“Everything tonight is about how do we give it back?” she adds. “Some of my favorite dance partners have died of cancer, and we have so many people affected by it.”

“And if we can add to the research and development of what we can do, that’s what tonight is really all about.”