By Marie Hurabiell San Francisco Ballet Auxiliary's 2012 Gala Chair February 2, 2012
Was it indeed a Bella Notte? YES!
Well, the larger than life statue of David has disappeared from the cupola, the “frescos” are gone from the Rotunda dome, feet have recovered from dancing all night long and Program 1 of SF Ballet’s 79th season, John Cranko’s Onegin, just finished its run. The Opening Night Gala is an increasingly fuzzy, beautiful, happy memory. As “they” say, Bella Notte went off without a hitch – even with the rain. The valet team was prepared to shield gorgeous gowns, a trio of musicians enveloped guests in the music of the Renaissance as they entered the stunning “Palazzo” at City Hall, to sip prosecco and nibble on prosciutto. After savoring a scrumptious meal we braved the rain as we made our way to the Opera House for the Gala Performance which was as much a treat for the eyes as dinner was for the palate. Following the spectacular performance guests AND SF Ballet Company dancers hit the dance floors in the North Light Court (with the band Notorious) and South Light Court (DJ Solomon and guest DJ Dancer Sebastian Vinet), relaxed in the “Pucci Lounge” and continued enjoying Italian treats and specialty cocktails at La Dolce Vita Post Party. Great appreciation to Lee Gregory and McCall’s for the delicious dinner, Riccardo Benevides/ Ideas for the exquisite décor, and Kier LaCrosse/ Allegra Entertainment for great music.
Hard to believe that the event was three weeks ago; it feels like several months have passed between that sparkling evening and today. As event chair, I am not nearly recovered and still have much work to do. Numbers are adjusting as we continue to receive invoices and donations continue to be tallied. I have had the pleasure (and slightly overwhelming task) of writing thank you notes to a wide array of participants–from my committee to our vendors to our sponsors–it is an honor to convey my deep appreciation to every one of them.
The fact that our committee are all volunteers makes the job of chair infinitely trickier. You are essentially relying on peoples’ love for the Ballet and their integrity that they will accomplish their important roles, that make up necessary parts of the big picture. When assembling my team I looked for many qualities in my partners, but one trait stands out as the most important for me: dependability. All the creativity, intelligence and insight in the world doesn’t do the team any good if dependability is lacking. I can say with absolute joy that every member of my team could be counted on – for tasks large and small – they did it all.
Bravo, Bravo, Bravo!! These individuals are incredible and I am grateful to each of them. We grew in friendship during this shared project and it is bittersweet for me that we have come to the end of our journey as a team.
Many thanks to all who supported the Opening Night, enjoy the 2012 Season!
9(unknown*no*no*1)&guid=ON){kind=small}
Bravo to a Bella Notte!
San Francisco Ballet Auxiliary's 2012 Gala Chair
February 2, 2012
Was it indeed a Bella Notte? YES!
Well, the larger than life statue of David has disappeared from the cupola, the “frescos” are gone from the Rotunda dome, feet have recovered from dancing all night long and Program 1 of SF Ballet’s 79th season, John Cranko’s Onegin, just finished its run. The Opening Night Gala is an increasingly fuzzy, beautiful, happy memory. As “they” say, Bella Notte went off without a hitch – even with the rain. The valet team was prepared to shield gorgeous gowns, a trio of musicians enveloped guests in the music of the Renaissance as they entered the stunning “Palazzo” at City Hall, to sip prosecco and nibble on prosciutto. After savoring a scrumptious meal we braved the rain as we made our way to the Opera House for the Gala Performance which was as much a treat for the eyes as dinner was for the palate. Following the spectacular performance guests AND SF Ballet Company dancers hit the dance floors in the North Light Court (with the band Notorious) and South Light Court (DJ Solomon and guest DJ Dancer Sebastian Vinet), relaxed in the “Pucci Lounge” and continued enjoying Italian treats and specialty cocktails at La Dolce Vita Post Party. Great appreciation to Lee Gregory and McCall’s for the delicious dinner, Riccardo Benevides/ Ideas for the exquisite décor, and Kier LaCrosse/ Allegra Entertainment for great music.
Hard to believe that the event was three weeks ago; it feels like several months have passed between that sparkling evening and today. As event chair, I am not nearly recovered and still have much work to do. Numbers are adjusting as we continue to receive invoices and donations continue to be tallied. I have had the pleasure (and slightly overwhelming task) of writing thank you notes to a wide array of participants–from my committee to our vendors to our sponsors–it is an honor to convey my deep appreciation to every one of them.
The fact that our committee are all volunteers makes the job of chair infinitely trickier. You are essentially relying on peoples’ love for the Ballet and their integrity that they will accomplish their important roles, that make up necessary parts of the big picture. When assembling my team I looked for many qualities in my partners, but one trait stands out as the most important for me: dependability. All the creativity, intelligence and insight in the world doesn’t do the team any good if dependability is lacking. I can say with absolute joy that every member of my team could be counted on – for tasks large and small – they did it all.
Bravo, Bravo, Bravo!! These individuals are incredible and I am grateful to each of them. We grew in friendship during this shared project and it is bittersweet for me that we have come to the end of our journey as a team.
Many thanks to all who supported the Opening Night, enjoy the 2012 Season!