Nashville Ballet’s 35th Anniversary Ballet Ball Raises Funds for Free Community Engagement
RENOWNED CASSADEE POPE AND WESLEY DEAN ENTERTAINED AT THE SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY CENTER
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 5, 2024) – Nashville Ballet patrons gathered for the 35th Annual Ballet Ball chaired by Evelyn Cate Galletti, Bob Deal and Jason Bradshaw with Amy M. Joyner serving as Honorary Chair. The community united to support the funding of Community Engagement and Education programming, benefiting more than 12,000 individuals across Middle Tennessee with free educational arts initiatives throughout the year.
Guests were greeted with a cocktail reception at the stunning Schermerhorn Symphony Center, followed by a seated dinner. The opening act by Brian Charles Rooney, accompanied by Ming Aldrich-Gan, ignited the stage. Guests were treated to a diverse range of performances at this highly anticipated gala. Renowned artists Cassadee Pope and Wesley Dean took the stage alongside Nashville Ballet company dancers. Notably, this marked the inaugural year for Nick Mullikin, the new Artistic Director and CEO of Nashville Ballet.
Nick Mullikin acknowledged, “Your presence here showcases the remarkable community and support that defines this incredible organization. Each year, Nashville Ballet captivates audiences and community members with storytelling and emotion through dance, bridging worlds and sparking conversations.”
Co-chair Evelyn Cate Galletti said, “It was truly a magical evening showcasing incredible talent, and I couldn’t be prouder of the remarkable work being done by the Nashville Ballet. Your attendance tonight empowers us to continue breaking down barriers, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can experience the transformative power of dance.”
Bob Deal added, “While the evening was a tremendous success, we are most pleased we were able to exceed our underwriting goal to benefit Community Engagement programming for Nashville Ballet.”
Jason Bradshaw said, “We were thrilled to announce next year’s Ballet Ball Co-Chairs Angela Bostelman and Ana Cristina Cash. Planning starts immediately and we know they will be exceptional leaders for the Ball we eagerly await March 1, 2025.”
Cassadee Pope is a multi-platinum selling rock singer-songwriter and winner of Season 3 of The Voice. As the lead vocalist of pop rock band Hey Monday, Cassadee seamlessly blends elements of American pop and rock in her music.
Following his move from Australia to Tennessee, Wesley Dean, platinum selling Australian Idol winner, recorded his much-anticipated upcoming country/roots rock album, Music from Hearts, at Nashville’s RCA Studio A.
Brian Charles Rooney shines on Broadway as Lucy Brown in “The Threepenny Opera,” lauded by Entertainment Weekly for his captivating performance. With a Grammy Award Nomination for “Sondheim Unplugged” and sold-out shows at Feinstein’s, 54 Below, and Joe’s Pub, Brian is constantly recognized for his dramatic excellence.
Nashville Ballet company dancers performed choreography by Nashville Ballet Artistic Director Nick Mullikin and Rehearsal Director Travis Bradley.
Guests enjoyed exceptional décor sponsored by Thibaut, complemented by floral arrangements by Forget Me Not Designs. The 35th anniversary traditional gifts are coral and jade. These colors were championed throughout the ball to signify this special year as a reminder of the past 35 years. Renowned luxury event designer Bruce Pittman returned to bring the vision of the 35th anniversary to life throughout the Schermerhorn. Dinner was served by premier caterer Kristen Winston, complemented by cocktails and assorted beverages by local distributor Lipman Brothers, LLC.
Following Ballet Ball, the Late Party, scheduled from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., offered an elegant night filled with cocktails and light bites, followed by the highly anticipated gala performance and dancing. Guests enjoyed dancing with Bizz and Everyday People.
Ballet Ball presenting sponsors included Deloitte, Advance Financial and HCA Healthcare/TriStar Health.
For more information about Ballet Ball, please visit www.nashvilleballet.com.
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About Nashville Ballet
Nashville Ballet is the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee. Nashville Ballet presents a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works by noted choreographers, including original works by Artistic Director and CEO Nick Mullikin, Resident Choreographer Mollie Sansone, and guest artists. Nashville Ballet and the second company, NB2 (a pre-professional training company), provide more than 55,000 arts experiences to adults and children annually through virtual and in-person season performances and Community Engagement programming. Curriculum-based Community Engagement programs bring dance education to community centers, colleges, public libraries, and public elementary, middle, and high schools across the state. School of Nashville Ballet provides exceptional dance training to students ages two and up. To learn more about Nashville Ballet, please visit nashvilleballet.com.
Nashville Ballet receives public funding from Metro Arts, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Contributions from local, regional, and national institutional funders, community partners, and hundreds of generous individuals provide ongoing support for Nashville Ballet’s mission-critical programs.
