The “50th Anniversary Season Evening of Stars,” benefiting the New Orleans Ballet Association dedicated two glamorous evenings to NOBA’s Golden Anniversary Season. On January 25, the Mahalia Jackson Theater of Performing Arts hosted 1,500 guests. The program began with a special performance by NOBA Center for Dance alumni and students in honor of Pamela and Warner Williams. NOBA worked with Elizabeth Koeppen-Kalosieh, Associate Artistic Director of Parsons Dance Company, and Reginald Toussaint to conceive the restaging of “Lagniappe,” which was commissioned by NOBA and first performed with Allen Toussaint and his orchestra in 2014.
Honorary Gala Chairs were Governor John Bel Edwards and First Lady Donna Hutto Edwards. The extraordinary full performance included masterworks danced by some of the world’s preeminent artists, including international superstars Maria Kochetkova and Vitor Luiz and artists from National Ballet of Canada, The Joffrey Ballet, Boston Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Dunn & Sonnier Antiques, Flowers & Gifts went above and beyond to provide all centerpieces for both events, as well as bouquets for dignitaries.
More than 375 patrons enjoyed a post-performance patron reception and then shifted to the transformed stage for a three-course dinner prepared by 1718 Catering by the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, music by Julio and César, a silent auction, a Lee Michaels shopping spree raffle and more.
The Hyatt Regency New Orleans was the lead sponsor for the weekend while 1718 Catering by the Hyatt Regency New Orleans sponsored the catering. Other major sponsors include the Windsor Court Hotel, Pan American Life Insurance Group, Pamela and Warner Williams, Dottie Belletto & NOCCI, Lee Michaels, Charlotte Bollinger, Stephanie & Ryan Burks and Maloney Productions.
The experience continued on February 11 with a spectacular grand-seated Benefactor Dinner chaired by Charlotte Bollinger and Gregory Curtis and sponsored by the Windsor Court Hotel. NOBA was honored to have the Honorary Chairs Governor John Bel Edwards and First Lady Donna Hutto Edwards in attendance as well as Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
Event at a Glance
What: “50th Anniversary Evening of Stars,” benefiting Ballet Resource and Volunteer Organization of the New Orleans Ballet Association
When: Saturday, January 25
Where: Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts
Reginald Toussaint, NOBA Board Chair Dottie Belletto, Benefactor Dinner Co-Chair Gregory Curtis and BRAVO President Stephanie Burks
Teresa Guzzetta, National Ballet of Canada principal dancers Guillaume Côté and Heather Ogden, with Chad Berg
Lisa Baudot, Kerry Clayton, Jacquee Carvin and Stephen Sonnier
Cori Lewis, Cécile Gibson, Cynthia LeBreton and Alex Danna
Tiffa Boutté, Ashley Stagg, Debbie Buchler and Kathy Pastorek
