Ballet Austin Presents Cinderella-Themed Fête and fête*ish

By Forrest Preece

It was all carriages and no pumpkins as the 2023 Ballet Austin Fête and fête*ish graced the JW Marriott on Saturday, April 15. Almost 600 people attended the event, which is known as one of Austin’s most glamorous and fun-filled fundraising galas. Cookie Ruiz, Ballet Austin’s executive director, said that the event raised over $500,000.

The host committee for the Fête included Sofia Avila, Becky Beaver, Jeff Coddington, Priscilla and John-Michael Cortez, Beverly Dale, Edie Rogat and Cotter Cunningham, Renée Gallagher and Jason Pennington, Serena Hicks, Virginia and Jed Miracle, and Natasa and Michael Valocchi.

The fête*ish Host Committee consisted of Danielle Carrier, Stephanie Gossen, Ariel House, Cassandra King, Mallory Miller, Alexis and Gordon Moore, Ashley Nelson, and Gertie and Bill Wilson.

At 6 pm, as the guests entered the lobby, they were entertained by the Kris Kimura Quartet playing selections from the Great American Songbook. Many attendees had their photos taken with playful mice in colorful outfits who were strolling through the crowd.

At the appointed hour, guests filed into the magically decorated ballroom and took their seats for a three-course dinner and live auction. After the dinner, Fête attendees were entertained by the Pamela Hart Trio. Next door, fête*ish was happening with spins from DJ Cassandra, prompting attendees to polish up their glass slippers and dance the night away.

Ballet Austin welcomes audiences to participate in its “classically innovative” vision for the democratization of dance. Established in 1956, the organization has a rich history, featuring original, acclaimed productions and a commitment to creating access to its programs. Ballet Austin owns and operates a combined training and performance facility located in the heart of downtown Austin and is among the 15 largest classical ballet companies in the country. For more information, contact www.balletaustin.org.