That’s Showbiz, Kids: The Smashing Success Of The 2025 Houston Ballet Ball

Guests Enjoy Top Drawer Entertainment As The Evening’s Performances Dazzles

By Rob Giardinelli       Photography by Dave Rossman, Daniel Ortiz, and Melissa Taylor

THE SCENE: The Wortham Theater Center in Houston was the setting for one of Space City’s most anticipated and successful annual fundraising galas in support of the arts. Over 500 of the area’s top art patrons, sociables, community leaders, and philanthropists supported the annual Houston Ballet Ball. Benefiting the eponymous organization, the night featured a regal theme, dazzling performance, and a whole lot of fun with the result being one of the most successful Houston Ballet Balls to date.

The black-tie crowd featured an elegant mix of classic and regal formal attire. In the crowd, one could spot a tapestry of bold, rich colors, along with others who had donned sequins and patterned ensembles. The result was a beautiful, welcoming tapestry that matched the mood of the happy guests on hand to celebrate.

THE VIBE: The night began as guests posed for images on a luxe step and repeat. Here patrons were able to capture a keepsake moment from the evening alongside an exquisitely constructed peacock featuring magenta orchids as a nod to Houston Ballet Artistic Director, Stanton Welch’s interpretation of Raymonda. From there, revelers joined fellow guests for a lively cocktail reception.

After guests cozied up to the bar to get their favorite spirit of choice, they mingled with other patrons in anticipation of the festivities ahead. Others headed to peruse one of Texas’ best-executed silent auction where eager bidders had the chance to win an array of luxury packages and experiences with a Houston Rockets Ball boy/girl experience, tickets to the Bach Mai and Pamella Roland shows at New York Fashion Week, and a chance to win a walk-on role for the Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker performance emerging as the most popular.

Guests then headed to their seats for the main program. Richard Flowers of The Events Company transformed the Wortham Theater Center’s Grand Foyer into a royal wonderland. The room was adorned with elaborate black chandeliers, burgundy drapes, green velvet and black lace overlay table linens, gold candleholders, and vibrant floral centerpieces. The space was anchored with a black and white checkered dance floor also inspired by Act II of Raymonda.

As partygoers dined on their delectable, multi-course meals courtesy of City Kitchen, they were treated to words from event leaders. Longtime Houston Ballet supporters Deborah and Edward Koehler were honored for their tireless support of the organization that has included celebrating the legacy of ballet legend Lauren Anderson through the Lauren Anderson Young Dancer Scholarship Fund and the Lauren Anderson Dance Residency at Ucross Ranch.

The program was capped off with a dazzling performance by 21 Corps de Ballet Dancers who took to the floor for a surprise dance performance to Harry Styles’ Golden which featured the iconic Lauren Anderson and brought the crowd to their feet. The fun then continued well into the night, as patrons rushed to the dance floor, taking their chance to dance the night away to the tunes of Stratosphere. As guests departed, they were offered a delectable take-home sweet treat, lemon poundcakes courtesy of Houston-based and Michelin-starred restaurant Le Jardiner.

THE NON-PROFIT: The 2025 Houston Ballet Ball, co-chaired by Melissa Juneau and Kristy and Chris Bradshaw, raised over $1.65 million for the Houston Ballet. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards education and programs to fulfill the organization’s mission to inspire a long, lasting love for dance in the Houston area and beyond.