Mad Hot II Ballet Gala

Last night I was fortunate enough to be invited to attend Mad Hot II, the National Ballet of Canada's fundraising Gala that features a performance by the company, a dinner catered by Mark McEwan followed by dancing. It was a pretty stunning event and I was so excited that I got to participate, after all I love the ballet, and let's not kid ourselves, anytime I get to dress up I get excited - so the evening promised to be amazing.

First, the audience was treated to four different ballet performances that highlight the varied repertoire on which the National Ballet of Canada prides itself. The first piece was excerpts from Etudes, a work that shows the development of classical ballet from the beginnings in the classroom to more advanced movements. Next came a world premiere performance of Canadian choreographer Sabrina Matthews' veer, a dramatic more modern piece that highlighted the dancers' fluidity and athleticism. Next came a Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux, a more classic piece defined by its elegance and romanticism. And finally came a personal favorite, Rubies, the second piece in Balanchine's three act ballet Jewels, which is his tribute to America -a jazzier take on ballet. The performances were breathtaking - whoever thought it was a good idea to include a performance element to the evening , I applaud you! It gives the evening's sponsors a taste of the talent they are helping to foster.

After a brief cocktail reception following the performances, the audience was led back to the main stage to have dinner where the dancers had just performed. The stage had been transformed into a kind of club-like environment with crystal chandeliers, fringe and lots of pink and black. Dinner was delicious, but it was bound to be since McEwan was at the helm - beginning with a tomato and buffalo mozzarella salad, followed by beef tenderloin, braised short ribs and gnocci with farva beans and finally a rhubarb tart topped with a praline thin and sour cream ice cream. I am getting hungry just thinking about it again- yum! At dinner each table had a few dancers sitting amongst us, and it was a great opportunity to get an insider's perspective on the company. It was evident that the dancers loved performing and were so appreciative to be able to dance for a company like the National Ballet of Canada which has the financial ability to stage the best performances with the best dancers. And that's what the night was all about, to make sure that the National Ballet of Canada keeps its reputation as on the of the best ballet companies and to keep audiences coming.

To top the evening off, as you were exciting the building you were handed a swag bag of goodies- yay! Of course as soon as I was in the car I had to check it out, and it seemed to be a bit on the girly side - what's a guy going to to with Cargo blush or Shiseido eye cream? I guess the giant box of Ferrero Rocher was meant for the dudes. Oh well, I was happy.

Overall, I have to say this is by far my favorite fund raising events that I have been to in Toronto. It was a fantastic evening that was made better by the varied perspectives we were given on how much ballet means to different people - audience members, dancers, choreographers, etc. Next year, if you get the opportunity to attend, you definitely should, it's a memorable event that was totally fun and worthwhile.