Shelby's Social Diary

Houstonians cheer Houston Ballet's debut in Paris with pianist Lang Lang

A privileged flock of Houston Ballet supporters swept across the Atlantic last week to be in the audience at Paris' famed Theatre des Champs-Élysées for the company's premier performance in the City of Light. Sixteen dancers joined renowned concert pianist Lang Lang on stage for his Sons de L'Ame (Sounds of the Soul) project that combined Chopin's music as performed by Lang Lang with dance choreographed by Houston Ballet artistic director Stanton Welch.

Following Friday night's performance, one of four, Anne and Albert Chao hosted a reception for the dancers, ballet leaders and patrons at the swank Gallerie Rauchfeld on the Left Bank.

Mingling throughout the display of bold contemporary sculptures by Rafael Barrios were Houston Ballet managing director Jim Nelson, the company's C.C. Conner with David Groover, Melza and Ted Barr, Marian Wilfert Beauchamp and Gary Beauchamp, Patti Murphy, Richard Lapin, Nancy and Ted Heywood, Kelley Lubanko, Jean May, Didier Piot and Akemi Saitoh.

An interesting aside regarding the colorful theater, according to Classical Ballet News, "The theater is steeped in ballet history, including the famous word premiere of The Rite of Spring May of 1913, which caused audience members to riot during the show." No such happenings reported during the Houston Ballet performances.

Houston Ballet director Stanton Welch, the bearded one on the back row, joins with his 16 company members in a Paris celebration.

324 Houston Ballet patrons in Paris November 2013 group shot

Photo courtesy of Houston Ballet

Houston Ballet director Stanton Welch, the bearded one on the back row, joins with his 16 company members in a Paris celebration.

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Cupid approved

Houston baseball legend Roger Clemens pitches in at 15th Sweetheart Tea

Mission of Yahweh Houston Sweetheart Tea 2026

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Deborah Duncan, Roger Clemens, and Brittany Hebert Franklin.

Red heart-shaped balloons hovered overhead, champagne flutes clinked, and racks of designer finery were on display.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Deborah Duncan, Roger Clemens, and Brittany Hebert Franklin.

Cupid would certainly have approved of the 15th annual Houston Sweetheart Tea benefiting the Mission of Yahweh. What began as a simple, heartfelt thank-you among friends has over the years blossomed into a pink-and-red parade of do-gooders.

Hosts Anne Carl, Deborah Duncan, Sylvia Forsythe, Kim Moody, Warner Roberts, and Alicia Smith welcomed 100 guests who took the sweetheart attire seriously. After a warm greeting from Roberts, vice president and general manager of Saks Fifth Avenue and last year’s honoree, Heidi Turney, shared Saks’ pride in sponsoring the fête for much of its 15-year run.

Co-host and KHOU-TV Great Day Houston’s Deborah Duncan offered a moving snapshot of the Mission of Yahweh, describing its commitment to sheltering and rehabilitating homeless women and children into self-sufficient futures. She then introduced new development director Marilu Garza, who announced the upcoming Leaders and Legends Gala slated for September.

The 2026 Houston Sweethearts were introduced, which included Farida Abjani, Debbie and Roger Clemens, Caroline Esses, Brittney Herbert Franklin, Jordan Seff, and Michelle Verbois Wasaff. Though Debbie was in Florida welcoming a grandbaby, Roger brought down the house with remarks that sparked applause and laughter.

Guests lingered over champagne and bites from 5115 Restaurant, savoring the fellowship as much as the fare.

Spotted in sweet style were Sidney Faust, Elsie Eckert, Hallie Vanderhider, Brigitte Kalai, Saula Valenti, Nini Hale, Tena Faust, Leila Perrin, Beth Wolff, Angie Roberts, Cheryl Byington, Laurette Veres, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Heidi Rockecharlie, Cindy Bendy, Gayla Gardner, Chris Kase, Sandra Porter, Sherri Zucker, Charity Yarborough Cox, Sonia Soto, Merele Yarborough, Kathy Herr, Alex Blair, Raquel Lewis, Linda Lorelle, Melisa Murphy, Jerre Williams, Kim Padgett, Angela Poujol, Phyllis Williams, George Crawford, Laura Wald, Melissa Clann, Mary Ellen Verbois, Steve Smith, Jamie Sparacino, Anita Wilson, Cindi Proler, Courtney Adame, Mary Jo Hunt, Jody Martin, Becky Wheeler, Margret Pinkston, Samantha Stewart, Gaye Mayeux, Connie Kwan Wong, Teresa Reading, Dana Collins, Alce Kwan, Ritu Nadkami, Stephanie Nelson, Jacquie Baley, Marian McClendon, Shawntell McWilliams, and Tammie Anne Johnson.

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