On Saturday, Oct. 1, the much anticipated Ballet Bash, presented by the Kansas City Ballet Guild, kicked off Kansas City Ballet’s repertory season at the spectacular Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity. During this progressive cocktail party, guests enjoyed sampling delicious food and drink, along with whiskey and vodka tastings while enjoying breathtaking decor by Trapp and Company, along with music by Hermon Mehari and the KC All Stars Band. Ballet Bash Co-chairmen Erik Bergrud and Kimberlee Ried, along with Honorary Co-chairmen Jonathan and Nancy Lee Kemper thanked guests for their support of the Kansas City Ballet. All funds raised benefit the Kansas City Ballet and Ballet School.
The Muriel Kauffman Theatre stage at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts was transformed into a forest amidst woodland fairies and sprites on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016 for the Ballet Bash Benefactor Dinner. Generous patrons of the 49th Annual Ballet Gala were awed by the décor and ambiance courtesy of Trapp and Company and enjoyed a four-course exquisite dinner provided by Lon Lane’s Inspired Occasions. The annual presentation of the Pirouette Award was given to Lisa Merrill Hickok for her many years of sharing her time, talent, and treasure toward the Kansas City Ballet.
Photography by Larry F. Levenson
Ball Chairmen Erik Bergrud and Kimberlee Ried with Honorary Co-chairmen Jonathan and Nancy Lee Kemper at the Ballet Bash.
Attendees at the Ballet Bash.
Second Company Manager Anthony Krutzkamp, former KCB Dancer Jill Marlow, current dancers Christopher Costantini and Dillon Malinski, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream choreographer Bruce Wells.
Mixing and mingling in the Benefactor Suite at the Ballet Bash.
Chris and Megan Cribb
Trainee Kathyrn Anderson, KCB II Dancer Cameron Thomas, Mrs. Michael Fenske, Mrs. David Embry, Mrs. Jack Spilker, with KCB II Dancers Marisa Whiteman, and Gavin Abercrombie and Trainee Allison Rainford
The Benefactor Dinner set up among the sets on stage in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre
Mr. Dave Lady, Ms. Julia Irene Kauffman, Mrs. and Mr. Rusty Jandl, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Schofer
Artistic Director Devon Carney, Pirouette Award Winner Lisa Merrill Hickok, and Executive Director Jeffrey J. Bentley
