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The New Orleans Ballet Association held its annual BRAVO Gala on May 13 in celebration of Spain’s only classical ballet company’s performance of “Corella Ballet Castilla y Leon” the following night at the Mahalia Jackson Theater.
New Orleans was selected as one of only three United States cities for the tour. The company’s principles and soloist were all in attendance, including premier artist and company leader Angel Corella.
BRAVO President Teresa Guzzetta chaired the extravagant affair at Gallier Hall, which was decorated to recreate colonial New Orleans under Spanish rule. Guests were greeted by the sounds of Harry Hardin on violin and Julio & Cesar on Spanish guitars. The evening continued with a four-course seated dinner prepared by Café Adalaide executive chef Chris Lusk. The exquisite meal featured a Spanish-influenced menu of gazpacho, salad, chorizo-encrusted pork tenderloin and a rice pudding dessert. After the meal, The Benchwarmers brought everyone
to the dance floor while an auction – including a set of 18 karat gold cascade earrings by Ippolita donated by Lee Michaels and three canvas prints of Corella Ballet signed by Angel Corella and the dancers – continued.
On May 11, a benefactor dinner took place at the Windsor Court Hotel. One hundred people were in attendance, including special guest Angel Corella and event chairs Gregory Curtis and Jacquee Carvin. Anais St. John and John Lawrence provided the perfect background music during the meal.
