It seems only appropriate that the over 400 black-tie clad guests, including several Houston Ballet company members, danced the night away at the 2017 Ballet Ball, held at the Wortham Theater Center Grand Foyer. Atlanta-based band Party on the Moon, generously underwritten by Diane Lokey Farb, made a splash for the third year in a row, treating guests to a dynamic performance of songs that spanned the eras, from hits by Supremes to Bruno Mars.
The fairy tale gala, chaired by Anne and Albert Chao, paid tribute to artistic director Stanton Welch’s choreographed production of Cinderella, which opened Thursday night, from its Enchantment theme to Houston Ballet Academy students, who were outfitted as ghosts from a scene in the ballet as they greeted attendees.
Before hitting the dance floor, guests dined on a multi-course dinner, including rack of lamb and white asparagus with poached lobster and black truffle, by City Kitchen and perused the silent auction. Items including pieces hand-selected for the evening by Tenenbaum Jewelers and David Shelton Gallery, and a number of one-of-a-kind experiences, from a trip for two to Paris to a seat at a luncheon with Lynn Wyatt, were up for bid.
Funds from the auction contributed to a total amount of over $1.1 million raised for Houston Ballet’s mission: To inspire a lasting love and appreciation for dance through artistic excellence, exhilarating performances, innovative choreography, and superb educational programs.
Houstonians came out in force to support the Ballet, including event honoree Ann Trammell, Chinhui and Eddie Allen, Melza and Ted Barr, Diane and Phil Bazelides, Truman Bell, Kevin Black and Tony Bradfield, Kristy and Chris Bradshaw, Pat Breen, Jerry Ann Woodfin-Costa and Victor Costa, Alicia and Lance Smith, Margaret Alkek Williams, and Vivian Wise.
Also seen in the crowd were Dr. Benjamin Chu and Donna Moylan, Molly and Jim Crownover, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Valerie and Tracy Dieterich, Diane Lokey Farb, Jo and Jim Furr, Prince and Princess Piotr, Maria-Anna Galitzine, Jay Jones and Terry Wayne Jones, Kelley and Stephen Lubanko, Kim and Dan Moody, Beth Muecke, Jim Nelson, Dana and Mike Ondrias, and Cabrina and Steven Owsley.
Bridget Kuhns, Oliver Halkowich.
