Rob Giardinelli
Fun & Performances Highlight Epic Night For One Of North Texas’ Most Beloved Arts Organizations
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Can Turkyilmaz
THE SCENE: The Winspear Opera House in Dallas was the setting for a fun, elegant, and special night that celebrated a milestone of one of Dallas’ most beloved events. Over 300 top art patrons, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the 15th Annual Bravo! Gala, benefiting the AT&T Performing Arts Center. The night featured dazzling performances that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.
and Jill B. Louis
Ballet Folklorico
THE VIBE: The black-tie optional crowd featured an elegant cocktail and formal attire mix. In the crowd, one could spot everything from traditional black-tie fare to colorful sequin gowns, which created a warm, welcoming environment for all who attended. The night began in the lobby of the Winspear Opera House for cocktail hour. Here upon arrival, guests posed for images in front of a specially constructed step and repeat celebrating the 15 year milestone of the event.
During the cocktail hour patrons were treated to performances by various artistic companies to show the impressive range of performing arts engagements at the AT&T Performing Arts Center including performances from Texas Ballet Theater, The Dallas Opera, and the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folkorico.
The action then moved to the stage of the Winspear Opera House for the main program. As revelers walked up to take their seats onstage, more than a few jaws dropped as they were treated to a beautifully decorated stage with a breathtaking floral pallet of white and pastel calla lilies, orchids, and peonies that popped against the black linens, which patrons knew would make this a program to remember. Zachary J. Willis served as emcee, keeping the festivities flowing at a fun, brisk pace throughout. As partygoers dined on their delectable multi-course meal they were treated to words from event and organization leaders. Additionally, Matrice Ellis-Kirk was honored for her tireless, decades-long support of the organization.
and Elijah Lancaster
The night continued with a dazzling array of performances that kept the crowd on their feet. They were treated to numbers by B. Moore Dance who performed a specially commissioned piece of Stevie Wonder’s Higher Ground. The performances were capped off with Cedric Neal and Cherish Love Robinson leading the crowd to the iconic song Lean On Me. The night was capped off with an epic after-party in the PNC Members Lounge where the fun continued well into the night to the tunes of DJ Endolena.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 15th Annual Bravo! Gala, co-chaired by Jill B. Louis and Danny Tobey, raised over $530,000 for the AT&T Performing Arts Center. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards funding educational and community engagement initiatives to draw world-class performing arts talent and productions to North Texas.
