By Judy Carmack Bross
Anna Karenina, Tolstoy’s sweeping tale of passion and revenge, as told in the Joffrey’s winter world premiere of the ballet, choreographed by Yuri Possokhov, transported the 350 luncheon guests from The Drake Hotel Ballroom to a glittering St. Petersburg ballroom and then to a lonely Russian train station.
Ashley Wheater, Melissa Trandel, Christina Walker, and Greg Cameron.
The Anna Karenina Luncheon took place at The Drake Hotel.
Chairs Melissa Trandel and Chrissie Walker of The Joffrey Ballet’s Women’s Board invited guests to view costumes from the ballet which evoked the elegance of Imperial Russia. Debi Lilly designed centerpieces celebrating the pivotal ball where Anna shamelessly danced with Vronsky all night long.
Susan Geiselhart, Debi Lilly, and Guest.
Shelley Farley, Marty Higgins, Cidney Golman, Jerri Hoffmann, Shauna Montgomery, and Maria Smithburg.
Kathy Deveny, Diana Lucas Flemma, and Susan Canmann.
Tricia Belletire and Muffie SanFilippo.
Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and the Anna Karenina artistic team and Company Artists, including Victoria Jaiani and Alberto Velazquez, as well as the former international dancer and choreographer Yuri Possokhov, participated in a panel discussion on creating a groundbreaking new ballet to be presented in February.
Jennifer Zandpour and Annie Doll.
Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and the Anna Karenina artistic team and Company Artists, including Victoria Jaiani and Alberto Velazquez, as well as the former international dancer and choreographer Yuri Possokhov, participated in a panel discussion on creating a groundbreaking new ballet to be presented in February.
Sandra Allen and Michael Anderson.
Guests participated in a raffle with prizes including $500 Neiman Marcus gift cards, earrings from Holtzmann’s Jewelers, as well as other Joffrey experiences. All guests who donated $250 or more to the Women’s Board Nutcracker Costume Maintenance Initiative received a commemorative pointe shoe signed by one of the Company Artists as a token of gratitude.
Audrey Tatar and Lauren Tatar.
Gigi Owens, Susie Slavan, Ann Klimek, and Sara Schoonveld.
Wendy Krimins, Heidy Best, and Helen Berkun.
Photos by David Loeb.
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For more information about the Joffrey Ballet’s season, visit joffrey.org
