The New Orleans Ballet Association and its BRAVO (Ballet Resource and Volunteer Organization) proved that the show — the Triple Crown benefit, a compendium of three fundraisers with one goal — would go on in grand style even after one of the events, Tango Argentina, had to cancel because of visa issues.
The first gathering, the annual Benefactors’ Dinner, was Feb. 25 at the Windsor Court Hotel. Chaired by Gregory Curtis, current NOBA board chair, and Charlotte Bollinger, the evening’s theme was “A Royal Commitment.”
The dinner honored Murray and Gerri Valene, and Henry Lambert for more than three decades of dedication to NOBA. Brian Coogan entertained guests during the cocktail reception before Rachel Van Voorhees played the harp throughout dinner.
The celebration continued March 20 with “Crescent Club,” a glamorous Prohibition-era speakeasy that transformed Gallier Hall into a Jazz Age playground. Chaired by Sandra Chaisson and Martine Chaisson Linares, the event paid tribute to Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, whose dancers were in town for their March 21 performance featuring two rarely seen Bob Fosse works presented through an exclusive partnership with The Verdon Fosse Legacy.
“Each event in NOBA’s Triple Crown series reflects a different facet of our organization, but, together, they highlight the extraordinary generosity, creativity, and enthusiasm of our supporters,” said Executive Director Jenny Hamilton.
Fun Fact: At the “Crescent Club,” guests could record special messages for NOBA on the “Roaring Recorder” telephones.
