The Celebration

Delighted to be meeting in person, 75 guests gathered at the Margaret Alkek Williams Dance Lab (Dance Lab) at the Houston Ballet Center for Dance on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 to kick off the approaching Houston Ballet Ball. Kelli and John Weinzierl, co-chairs of the much anticipated future event, welcomed the spirited group.

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The Story

Richard Flowers of the Events Company worked his magic and turned the Dance Lab into a classy cocktail lounge with eye-catching seasonal décor. A variety of horsd’oeuvres, courtesy of Jackson and Company, were passed throughout the evening as guests enjoyed live music played on a classical guitar. The addition of a TV let guests cheer on the Astros as they played in the World Series. The festive event also gave guests the chance to donate wine for the Ballet Ball Wine Cellar, a special feature in the upcoming event’s silent auction. These top-rated vintages from around the world are sure to be coveted auction items.

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The Moments

Houston Ballet executive director, Jim Nelson, formally welcomed participants and recognized the Houston Ballet board of trustees for keeping the company dancing. Kelli Weinzierl then thanked the Ballet Ball committee for its inspiring leadership. She also gave participants an idea of the highlights to expect at this year’s ball, including entertainment by NYC-based Gen 8 and a jewel theme inspired by George Balanchine’s Jewels, which will be part of the 2020-2021 Houston Ballet season. Lynn Wyatt was the lucky winner of a pair of gold ruby and diamond earrings, generously donated by Diamonds Direct, in the “chance to win” drawing. At the end of the evening, attendees went home with gemstone chocolates by Jackson and Company.

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The Ballet Ball, which will be co-chaired by Stephanie and Frank Tsuru and by Kelli and John Weinzierl, will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022 in the Wortham Theater Center. It is sure to be a glittering event. All proceeds will benefit Houston Ballet.

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Guests: Roslyn Bazzelle, Ann Bean, Susan Binney, Richard Flowers and Angel Rios, Jo and Jim Furr, Jesse H. Jones II and Terry Wayne Jones, Jennifer Kushner, Beth Muecke, Dannika Simpson, Leigh and Reggie Smith, Shawn Stephens and Jim Jordan, Ileana Treviño, Ann Trammell, Kelli and John Weinzierl, Jerry Ann Woodfin-Costa and Victor Costa, Lynn Wyatt, and Beth Zdeblick.

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About Houston Ballet

Houston Ballet is committed to maintaining and enhancing its status as: A classically trained company with a diverse repertory whose range includes the classics as well as contemporary works; A company that attracts the world's best dancers and choreographers and provides them with an environment where they can thrive and further develop the art form; An international company that is accessible to broad and growing local, national, and international audiences; A company with a world-class Academy that provides first rate instruction for professional dancers and meaningful programs for non-professional dancers; A company with state-of-the-art facilities for performances, rehearsals, and ongoing operations.