The grandeur of Houston's high society was on full display at the 2024 Houston Ballet Ball, where philanthropy met pageantry in a white-tie affair to remember. The Wortham Theater Center was the epicenter of elegance on Saturday evening, as the city's elite donned their most lavish attire for a night of culture and charity. The ball honored Akemi and Yasuhiko Saitoh, recognized for their enduring support of the performing arts and integral role in Houston Ballet's recent tour to Japan.
Houston's glitz wasn't the only thing to shine brightly; the ballet's gala managed to raise over $1.6 million, an accomplishment that speaks volumes of the community's commitment to preserving and promoting the arts. Ballet enthusiasts and patrons alike sparkled amidst the pageantry, as the ballet academy pro students brought to life the tragic tale of "Mayerling," with choreography that was as historically reverent as it was artistically daring. Making a stylistic nod to Stanton Welch's "Swan Lake" and "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra," the dancers added a dimension of visual storytelling that both complemented and enhanced the grandiose nature of the evening.
The event was chaired by power couples Sabrina and Steven Owsley, alongside Margaret and Jonathan Cox. In a testament obtained by the Houston Chronicle, principal dancer Yuriko Kajiya presented the Saitohs with flowers and lauded their contributions in fluent Japanese. Yasuhiko expressed his gratitude, stating, "Houston Ballet forever."
Setting the stage for the upcoming performance of Welch's "Cinderella," the gala also served as a segue into the season's offering, which begins February 22. Jacquelyn Long is set to mesmerize audiences in the lead role, with fellow dancers, including Natalie Varnum and Tyler Donatelli, gracefully styled by local designer David Peck. The stylish prominence extended to the evening's attire, as Ballet board president Kristy Bradshaw and Duyen Nguyen wore creations from Bach Mai, as reported by the Houston Chronicle, a designer with roots as a former Houston Ballet costume apprentice.
The Houston Ballet's annual Ball not only serves as a critical fundraiser but also as a vivid snapshot of the city's commitment to artistic endeavors. A notice by the organization highlighted the importance of the evening: "This dazzling white-tie event offers a three-course seated dinner, a luxury silent auction, top-notch entertainment, and an unmatched dance floor." The Houston Ballet was unequivocal in its gratitude, thanking all who supported the event and sending a special thanks to the co-chairs and honorees, as detailed on the Houston Ballet website.
