Christmas in September
Ballet Austin’s Fête and fête*ish starts the gala season in a swanky wonderland
As it is every fall, Ballet Austin launches the gala season with a sold out soiree that raises the bar for all Austin social events.
Celebrating the Nutcracker’s 50th Anniversary, the evening took its theme from the classic ballet. Snow fell from the sky as you entered The Driskill Hotel and holly strung an oversized door as you made your way through the mezzanine.
Fête started things off in grand style with a private seated dinner themed as a lavish holiday feast. Tall, svelte centerpieces adorned with floral and crystal graced each table. As the dinner progressed, the act II of the evening, fête*ish, was underway outside the ballroom doors.
Once dinner was complete, the Fête crowds, dressed in black-tie, and fête*ish, traditionally younger and fashion forward, mixed in the holiday dreamscape. Invincible Czars commanded the stage in full Nutcracker attire performing raucous arrangements of Tchaikovsky’s classic Nutcracker Suite.
Not at any time was the purpose of the event out of mind. Hints of Ballet Austin were speckled throughout the party, including a screening area of the company’s past performances.
Many were anxious for the late night entertainment — it was well worth the wait. Grammy award-winning DJ Spinderella, of Salt-N-Pepa fame, turned the formal affair into a dance party.
Dancing under the Christmas tree was an Austin who’s who including Becky Beaver, Forrest Preece and Linda Ball, Cord Shiflet, Rochelle Rae, Jennene Mashburn, AISD superintendent Meria Carstarphen and Round Rock Express owner Reid Ryan.
---
Austin Social Planner, led by Laura Villgran Johnson and Kevin Smothers provides recommendations and news regarding Austin's social scene.