Seasons of Love

Ballet Ball celebrates the seasons

The beauty of the four seasons was on display at Nashville Ballet’s 34th annual Ballet Ball. Co-chairs Meera Ballal and Catherine Grace created a beautiful celebration through the theme, “Seasons of Dance” — a nod to Paul Vasterling’s ballet, Seasons. Amos Gott and his team transformed the Schermerhorn for the evening. The flora of the foyer embraced the thematic idea as guests were greeted with a soaring, 12-foot-tall tree in the lobby. Doubly wide as it was tall, its branches were covered with greenery and lavish drapes of wisteria. After the cocktail reception, guests entered Laura Turner Concert Hall to the bright sounds of chirping birdsong. For an immersive forest experience, the hall featured panels of fabric onto which trees were projected — shifting seasonally as the evening progressed.

The delights of the senses did not end with decor. Once seated, guests were treated to a delicious pairing of dishes by Kristen Winston and entertainment expertly executed by Nashville Ballet talent, representing each season chronologically. Beginning with spring’s pairing of a Spring Pea Soup Sip topped with crème fraîche, guests enjoyed MORGXN’s opening performance of the whimsical song “Pure Imagination.” Four courses displayed the bounty of the respective seasons, as each performance topped the one before.

This year’s Synergy Award recipient was the Tennessee Titans, a team who has striven to further the mission of the Nashville Ballet. Accepting the award on behalf of the Titans was their Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer Adolpho Birch. The Tennessee Titans have worked tirelessly with the Nashville Ballet and other arts organizations, “ensuring that our Nashville community has access to the best of the fine arts.” Most recently, the Titans have lent the talents of their mascot, T-Rac, in collaboration with community outreach programs — including a role in the beloved Nashville’s Nutcracker. The evening concluded with a vivacious Late Party and dancing to the sounds of Bizz & Everyday People.

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND AND ANGELINA CASTILLO