The Celebration           

On Saturday, February 19, 2022, the Wortham Theater Center welcomed Houston Ballet supporters with Jewels, the company’s first ball in two years. Inspired by the Balanchine ballet of the same name, which will be performed by Houston Ballet from February 4, 2022 to March 6, 2022, the jewel-themed ball was chaired by Stephanie and Frank Tsuru along with Kelli and John Weinzierl.

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The Story

Aglow in black tie apparel, over 400 guests were greeted in the lobby by a stunning wall collage of actual and painted pointe shoes. While enjoying cocktails, participants mused over the silent auction, which included such notable items as a .51-carat Colombian Muzo emerald, an exclusive lunch with beloved Houston icon Lynn Wyatt, an adventure-filled overnight stay at the historic Spread Oaks Ranch, and a five-night Deer Valley vacation experience.

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Upon entering the grand foyer, expertly transformed by Richard Flowers of The Events Company, attendees were awed by balconies draped with statement necklaces, a gemstone-shaped dance floor, and tables bedecked with emerald tablecloths and crowned with ruby centerpieces. The tantalizing seated dinner prepared by Jackson and Company commenced with a “50-carat” salad; continued with various other “rare” offerings; and ended with a “jewelry box,” a blondie wrapped in white chocolate and caramel mousse with caramel-filled chocolate jewels. After dinner, partygoers hit the dance floor to groove to the sounds of Gen 8 presented by Élan Artists.

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The Moments

Unique experiences throughout the dazzling night included a lash and gemstone station. As the gem of an evening came to a close, guests were invited to choose their own emerald, ruby, or diamond candle to take with them.

 

The successful event raised nearly $1.4 million for Houston Ballet.

 

Guests: Margaret Alkek Williams, Deborah and Edward Koehler, Lauren Anderson, Laura Robertson, Lynn Wyatt, Anne and Albert Chao, Richard Flowers, Beth and Nick Zdeblick, Jordan Seff, Leigh and Reggie Smith, Allison and Troy Thacker, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Jesse H. Jones II and Terry Wayne Jones, S. Shawn Stephens and James M. Jordan, Alan May, Bonnie Weekley, Rose Cullen, Kelli Weinzierl, Kristy and Chris Bradshaw, Liz Schwarze, Mignon and Steve Gill, Claudia and David Hatcher, Chad Libertus, Jerry and Melanie Martin, Yana and Warren McFatter, Kent Schaffer and Shara Kuy, Lilly and Harrison Cullen, Gillian Hobson, Jim Nelson, Stanton Welch AM, Jerry Ann Woodfin-Costa and Victor Costa, Martha and Marvin McMurrey, Ann Trammell, Rene Chapman-Wood and Christina Foley, Pamela and Bruce Earthman, Kate Dearing Fowler and Stephen Fowler, Kelley and Stephen Lubanko, Jo and Jim Furr, Beth Muecke, Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin, Susan and Gary Binney, Amy LeBlanc, and Ileana and Michael Treviño.

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About Houston Ballet

Houston Ballet is committed to maintaining and enhancing its status as: A classically trained company with a diverse repertory whose range includes the classics as well as contemporary works; A company that attracts the world's best dancers and choreographers and provides them with an environment where they can thrive and further develop the art form; An international company that is accessible to broad and growing local, national, and international audiences; A company with a world-class Academy that provides first rate instruction for professional dancers and meaningful programs for non-professional dancers; A company with state-of-the-art facilities for performances, rehearsals, and ongoing operations.