Recap from Houston Ballet Ball’s Kick-Off Party

Houston Ballet patrons gathered at Festari for Men on October 5 to kick off the 2011 Ballet Ball, themed Designed to Dance. Kick-off Chairmen Beth and Bryan Muecke planned, alongside host Debbie Festari, a fabulous reception including light bites from RDG and Belvedere cocktails. Festari for Men, featuring the finest in made-to-measure and ready-to-wear men’s fashions, provided a scene of contemporary elegance at their storefront in BLVD PLACE.

Kick-Off Chairman Beth Muecke with Host Debbie Festari. Photo courtesy of PWL Studio.

Guests included Honoree Rose Cullen, Dancing with the Houston Stars celebrities Phoebe Tudor and Diane Lokey Farb, along with other prominent Ballet patrons including Mary Alice and Michael Parmet, Diane and Phil Bazelides, Merrill and Joe Hafner, Ginni and Richard Mithoff, Mickey Rosmarin, Kathy McCord, Katie Cullen, and Melza and Ted Barr.

Chairman Jo Furr (right) with Honoree Rose Cullen at Festari. Photo courtesy of PWL Studio.

Chairmen Jo and Jim Furr toasted the crowd of more than one hundred, graciously thanking all supporters. Jo and Jim encourage you to secure your tables/seats soon to enjoy a fabulous evening at the Designed to Dance Houston Ballet Ball on February 19, 2011. You’ll enjoy a not-to-be missed auction, dine on sumptuous Jackson & Company cuisine while surrounded by a spectacular environment by Richard Flowers and The Events Co. Get your tickets and “design yourself” to dance the night away with the amazing retro sounds of the Washington D.C. band Doc Scantlin and His Imperial Orchestra.

 For more information or to purchase tickets to the 2011 Ballet Ball, contact Colleen Wade at 713.535.3276 or email cwade@houstonballet.org.

Dancing with the Houston Stars Recap

Guest writer: Lori Lang, PR intern

The hit television show Dancing with the Stars may last all season, but Houston Ballet’s latest fundraiser Dancing with the Houston Stars, featuring local celebs partnered with veteran dancers of Houston Ballet, was a one-night-only, very exclusive engagement.  Much like the TV show, there were contestants in sequined costumes performing complicated dance routines before a panel of judges. The similarities ended there.

On Friday, September 24, more than 170 guests gathered around the indoor pool at the home of John and Becca Cason Thrash to enjoy top-notch dancing by some of Houston’s most notable names, with food and drinks provided by the best hot spots in town.

Showcasing their dancing skills were Monsour Taghdisi, partnered with Dawn Scannell in a tango; Phoebe Tudor and Phillip Broomhead in a mambo; Diane Lokey Farb and Damian Schwiethale in a disco; Lynn Wyatt and Oliver Halkowich in a cha cha; and Pat Burk and Kristine Richmond in a meringue.  It’s no surprise the dances included lifts, spins, and some very intricate footwork. The partners had been spotted frequently at the Houston Ballet Academy studios getting ready for their big debut in the months leading up to the event.

In the end, attendees cast their votes, naming Phoebe Tudor and Phillip Broomhead the winners.

Dancing with the Houston Stars Champions Phoebe Tudor and Phillip Broomhead

In between performances, guests were treated to dinner catered by Monarch at Hotel ZaZa, RDG + Bar Annie, Eddie V’s, and Sprinkles Cupcakes, to name a few. Dom Perignon champagne (limited Andy Warhol edition), Belvedere vodka, and wine selections from The Tasting Room also flowed freely throughout the evening.

The sensational event raised $230,000 for Houston Ballet.  Rumor has it that requests for a repeat performance next year make it fairly certain that the 1^st Annual Dancing with the Houston Stars is only the beginning.

-Lori