Rob Giardinelli
Gala Honors Jim Nelson’s 25 Years of Leadership At The Houston Ballet
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Dave Rossman Photography
THE SCENE: The Wortham Theater Center’s Brown Stage in Houston served as the setting for a night of great food, fantastic company, and dazzling performances. Two hundred twenty of the city’s most prominent art patrons, sociables, and philanthropists were on hand for the Houston Ballet Opening Night Onstage Dinner, which kicked off the Houston social season and celebrated the organization’s 2025-2026 performance season.
and Joe Geagea
THE VIBE: The cocktail-chic crowd started the night in the orchestra section of the Brown Theater. Here, patrons were treated to a performance of John Cranko’s Onegin, which is based on the Alexander Pushkin classic novel Eugene Onegin.
The festivities then headed to Brown Stage for a delectable onstage dinner. Bergner and Johnson transformed the stage into a whimsical wonderland, featuring a palette of earth-toned linens that perfectly complemented the elegant, beautiful centerpieces of hydrangeas, astilbes, roses, tulips, ranunculus, coxcombs, and seasonal blooms, each adorned in sparkling, gold-colored vases. All of this was under three statement chandeliers that hung above the stage, giving the space a wow factor that saw more than a few jaws drop upon entering the stage.
& Anne and Albert Chao
While guests dined on delectable, multi-course meals courtesy of City Kitchen, they were treated to words from organization leaders. The night celebrated Houston Ballet Executive Director Jim Nelson for his 25 years of leadership of the world-class Ballet company. The highlight of the program was City Council Member Joaquin Martinez, who surprised Nelson with a proclamation from the City of Houston in recognition of his leadership, advocacy, and community engagement.
The night kicked off with a toast from Nelson, who thanked supporters for their support over the past 25 years, as well as introducing Houston Ballet’s new Executive Director, Sonja Kostich. The night concluded as he led the crowd in a toast to event guest and Houston philanthropy icon Margaret Alkek Williams in celebration of the grand dame’s 90th birthday.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 2025 Houston Ballet Opening Night Dinner, chaired by Shara and Kent Schaffer, raised a record-breaking $500,000 for the Houston Ballet. Proceeds raised from the event will be used to fund strategic programs and educational initiatives at the organization.
