The Washington Ballet Kicks Off 45th Season
By • June 16, 2021 0 1335
Dry clean those dresses and suits, gowns and tuxedos — the D.C. social scene is back! The Washington Ballet kicked off its 45th season post-Covid with its annual gala on June 4. The black-tie event at the Kennedy Center was the first of its kind in over a year. Masks were optional, but everyone in attendance was required to submit a proof of vaccine card or negative Covid test to attend. There were lots of happy smiles, hugs, air kisses and more, according to the Washington Post. Gala co-chair Lisa Barry told the crowd, “The show has indeed gone on!” Cheers to many more parties to come.
The guest list included Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr., Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), former House speaker Paul Ryan, NPR’s Diane Rehm, Fox News anchor Bret Baier and his wife Amy and more. Reggie Van Lee, Chief Transformation Officer at the Carlyle Group was presented with the Lois H. England Philanthropy Award. Lee was nominated as the new chairman of DC’s arts commission.
Diane Rehm and Kevin Chaffee at the Sulgrave Club, one of 26 diplomatic and private dinners held in honor of the Washington Ballet’s 2021 Gala. Photo by Tony Powell.
Fox News anchor Bret Baier, Washington Ballet Board chair Jean-Marie Fernandez and Amy Baier at the Washington Ballet’s 2021 Gala, held on the Kennedy Center north plaza. Photo by Tony Powell.
More than 400 guests gathered for a gala performance, dessert and dancing. The Washington Ballet’s 2021 Gala raised more than $1 million in support of the ballet. Photo by Tony Powell.
