On September 24 at the Four Seasons Biltmore, about 180 guests indulged in an exquisite and entertaining affair — State Street Ballet’s annual gala, this year aptly dubbed “A Night to Remember.” The fundraising event supports the company’s performances here in Santa Barbara, the company’s tour each year, and its significant education and outreach programs here.
The evening began with cocktails in the intimate and lush Palmera Garden across the walkway from the Loggia Ballroom. With Chris Fossek providing Spanish guitar music in the background, guests in tuxes and gowns mingled and celebrated the start of the company’s 23rd season.
In the entrance to the Loggia Ballroom, guests were greeted by the company’s Professional Track Program dancers with elaborate white feather costumes and fans from An American Tango . Event Chair Alex Nourse and her committee created the most beautiful ballroom I have ever seen in Santa Barbara. Larger-than-life silhouettes of dancers with reddish-orange backlighting festooned the walls of the dimly lit room. Gold fabric-covered chairs surrounded tables adorned with apricot table linens and a table lamp with dancer silhouettes etched in the shade.