An Evening to Remember

On Saturday, January 31 2015, Miami City Ballet hosted an only-in-Miami thrilling Gala, combining the classical beauty of ballet with the street art vibe of Wynwood. Gala Chairs Ana and Robert Barlick welcomed 450 guests to a spectacular event including a red carpet lined with 200 candles, a cocktail hour featuring a chandelier made from 300 pointe shoes, a stunning Christofle champagne experience, and top shelf cocktails and spirits by Bacardi.

The evening continued in the Grand Ballroom where guests were treated to a surprise video art installation created especially for the evening, produced and directed by local film maker extraordinaire, Gil Green, and featuring the dancers of Miami City Ballet and the art of Wynwood Walls. Between enjoying bites and dessert catered by Le Basque, Gala attendees saluted Grand Honorary Chairs, R. Kirk Landon and Pamela Garrison, and heard from Chairman of the Board of Trustees Susan Kronick that Miami City Ballet has been invited to appear in New York at Lincoln Center, in Chicago, Paris, and Israel. Artistic Director, Lourdes Lopez, introduced all 50 glorious dancers, who were then seated at the tables with guests – for the first time ever at an MCB Gala.

Lopez then took the stage to announce, for the very first time, a brand new gift of $1 Million dollars, made by Claudia & Steven Perles to support a major production for the Company’s 30th Anniversary next year. The ballroom exploded with applause, and the dancers led the guests to the dance floor to celebrate. The dancing and celebration continued until midnight, with very special farewell gift bags provided by Neiman Marcus Coral Gables. The event was produced by Wow Factor, with flowers for the evening generously provided by long-time ballet supporter, Jenny’s Flowers. The Miami City Ballet Gala 2015 raised more than $1 Million dollars, with proceeds benefiting the Company’s arts education and outreach activities.

Red Carpet

Red Carpet

Grand Ballroom

Grand Ballroom