What a magical evening recently at the newly opened Intercontinental Hotel, Medical Center when the talented Virtuosi youth symphony paid tribute to its complimentary artistic partner, Dance…..Music in Motion, by honoring three local dance creators. More than 325 guests attended the annual Gala in the Grand Ballroom of the hotel.
An Evening of World-Class Music and Fine Cuisine spotlighted the arts honoring Michelle Smith, Founder & Executive Director, METdance, Jane Weiner, Founder & Director Hope Stone Dance and Stanton Welch, Artistic Director of the Houston Ballet. White Swan Pax de Duex was performed by Artists from Houston Ballet II Academy; Aheym was performed by METdance and the room rocked with the performance of Barcarolle/Radio GaGa which was performed by Hope Stone Dancers with the Houston Boychoir. All dancers were accompanied by the Virtuosi of Houston Orchestra under the direction by Founding and Artistic Director Franz Krager and Andzrej Grabiec.
Special Note: Linda Lorelle gave a beautiful and emotional shout-out to honoree Jane Weiner, telling the story of two sisters, Jane who was living in NYC and her sister here in Houston, a woman that many of us know and love…..my neighbor and co-founder of the Pink Ribbon Project, Susan Rafte, who when diagnosed with serious breast cancer, Jane moved here to be with and care for her sister….that is how this dance company and that awesome charity was founded in 1995.
The evening raised more than $400,000 with guests in attendance including Elina Htun, Tony Bradfield, Dr. Jorge & April Salazar, Barbara Van Postman, Bill King, Kelli Fondren, Bruce Padilla, Shelby Kibedeaux, and many more.
Aheyn performed by METdance
Barcarolle/Radio GaGa perfomed by Hope Stone Dancers w/Houston Boychoir
photos courtesy of Fulton Davenport, PWL Studios