Artistry, opulence, and a dash of drama pirouetted into a night to remember for the Houston Ballet Ball at Wortham Theater Center on February 22. Inspired by artistic director Stanton Welch’s vibrant reimagining of Raymonda, the soirée took its cue from the ballet’s decadent Peacock Ballroom, with every shimmering detail practically winking at the crowd.
Co-chairs Kristy and Chris Bradshaw and Melissa Juneau set the stage for an evening that sashayed between elegance and playful fantasy, all in honor of Deborah and Edward Koehler, whose unwavering love for the Houston Ballet has been standing-ovation worthy.
Upon arrival, 500 couture-clad guests were greeted by cascading gold drapes and a photo op that could easily double as a set piece — a magnificent peacock fashioned from a kaleidoscope of fresh florals. With signature cocktails in hand, the crowd perused a silent auction that felt more like a treasure hunt, boasting experiences from a Rockets ball kid gig to a coveted Nutcracker walk-on role.
Gary and Susan Binney with the stunning floral peacock. Photo by Daniel Ortiz
The pièce de résistance? A jaw-dropping, not-so-secret surprise that unfolded after dinner. Just as balletomanes settled into their seats, the Grand Foyer transformed into a living stage as twenty-one Corps de Ballet dancers took over the black-and-white checkered dance floor, moving in shimmering synchronicity to Harry Styles’ anthem "Golden." The choreography — dreamed up by demi-soloist Jack Wolff — sparkled with personality, blending classical technique with contemporary flair. And when Lauren Anderson herself joined the dancers, the crowd’s applause rivaled the final bows at a prima’s farewell.
As gold streamers rained from above, partygoers couldn’t resist taking over the dance floor themselves, moving to the beats of Stratosphere and proving that Houstonians, even in black-tie, know how to bust a move. We’re looking at you, Fady Armanious.
Before bidding adieu, revelers were gifted gluten-free lemon poppyseed pound cakes courtesy of Michelin-starred Le Jardinier, a sweet send-off to match a night with spectacle and spirit.
More than $1.65 million was raised to support Houston Ballet’s mission to inspire a lasting love and passion for dance across the city and beyond.
Sur la pointe were Jim Nelson, Julie Kent, Margaret Alkek Williams, Stephanie and Frank Tsuru, Jennifer and Scott Allison, Sarah and Scott Barrett, Michele and Bobby Marandi, Anne and Albert Chao, Jerry Ann Woodfin-Costa, Isabel and Danny David, Pamela and Bruce Earthman, Martha and Richard Finger, Jo Furr, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Christine and David M. Underwood Jr., Allison and Troy Thacker, Marguerite Swartz, S. Shawn and Jim Jordan, Leigh and Reggie Smith, Shara and Kent Schaffer, Akemi and Yasuhiko Saitoh, Roslyn and Derrick Mitchell, Andrea and Henry Medina, Yana and Warren McFatter, Jean and Henry May, Chad Libertus, Jay and Terry Wayne Jones, Patti Murphy, Laura and Brannon Robertson, Bernie Cantu, Sharalynn and Tim Fenn, and Sarah and Bryant Lee.
Gary and Susan Binney with the stunning floral peacock. Photo by Daniel Ortiz