Photos from the Boston Ballet Ball

Celebrating the Ballet's 50th anniversary, this golden event raised over $1.4 million.

ballet ball

Photo by Michael Blanchard

On Saturday March 29, 2014, the Boston Ballet celebrated its 50th Anniversary Ball at the Castle at Park Plaza. The local arts organization welcomed over 450 guests to the black- tie affair, including co-chairs Jessica Ferri Schmitz and Stephanie Brown. 

To kick things off, guests mingled while enjoying signature cocktails and bidding on silent auction items, including actual costumes worn in past performances, stunning diamond baubles, and Celtics tickets.

Spotted on the scene: Koren Philips, the Ballet’s Young Partners Chair, the entire Humphrey clan including the gorgeous sister trio Joanna, Caroline, and Victoria, nightlife king Shahrokh Reza and his wife, Dianna, Ritz marketing director Barbara Lootz and her French hubby Bruno, newlyweds Paul Karger and Pamela Vargas, and the evening’s honoree, Boston Ballet Trustee Board Chairman, Jack Meyer, and his wife, Beth Meyer.

Rather than a lengthy speaking program, the organizers opted for videos to tell the story of the ballet (one of which was a joint project with MIT), followed by an incredibly chic fashion show where ballerinas modeled ballet costumes from the past 50 years. Principal dancer John Lam wins the award for most dramatic runway strut—such a showoff, that one.

Photo by Michael Blanchard

Photo by Michael Blanchard

The highlight of the evening was an excerpt from the dance performance, Rave, choreographed by the world-renowned Karlole Armitage, who has worked with some of the most prestigious names in the business and has been called “the true choreographic heir to the two masters of 20th century American dance.” Call us uncultured and shallow, but it’s also pretty darn cool that she worked with Michael Jackson and Madonna, too.

For what GQ magazine once named as one of the worst-dressed cities in the country, this crowd begged to differ. Fashion themes included fire engine red, feathers, and black sequin, all with an artsy twist. Stand-outs of the night:

Jessica Ferri Schmitz in a custom Michael Depaulo dress and M. Flynn baubles:

Photo by Michael Blanchard

Photo by Michael Blanchard

Caroline Humphrey in a bright red Monique Lhuillier dress and Proenza Schouler bag:

Photo by Michael Blanchard

Photo by Michael Blanchard

Hiro Iwanaga in a custom-made navy suit, Prada navy loafers with a bright blue trim, and a faux gold bowtie to celebrate the golden anniversary of the Boston Ballet.

Photo by Michael Blanchard

Photo by Michael Blanchard

 

For more information on the Boston Ballet, visit bostonballet.org.