Midway through Houston Ballet's debut performance run of the 2013-14 season, it was time for the spotlight to shine on another troupe of leading guys and gals as they made their entree onto the social stage.
Waltzing on to the scene at Federal American Grill on Tuesday were 125 stylish philanthropists with a penchant for the finer things in life, as in good food, good wine and good company. And, of course, ballet.
The Ballet Barre young professionals, a group that blends the right amount of social events with dance shows and exclusive Houston Ballet behind-the-scenes experiences, converged around the restaurant's bar as returning members reunited and balletomanes new to the throng pledged their support. They have much to look forward to, including The Merry Widow later this month and Aladdin and Swan Lake next year.
With a spread that included Akaushi sliders, fried oysters, sesame-crusted eggplant napoleons, duck fat popcorn and pop-in-your-mouth Brussels sprouts . . . it's no wonder the chatty crowd lingered passed the event's curtain call.
In the crowd with Houston Ballet dancers Nao Kusuzaki, Kate Precourt, Aaron Robison and Ana Calderon were Kristy Bradshaw, Lindsey Brown, Divya Brown, Liam Bonner, Hannah Lonergan, Erin O'Leary Stewart, Ting Bresnahan, Jo Simmons, Beth Zdeblick, Elizabeth Koval, Derith Cass, Courtney Fretz, Carey Kirkpatrick, David Rassin, Sarah Cotting, Benjamin Koopferstock, Amy Fote and Erin and James Stewart.
Kristy Bradshaw, from left, Lindsey Brown, Derith Cass and Divya Brown at the Ballet Barre kickoff event.
