Timing is everything. Just ask the four Tutu Chic (aka 2-2) co-chairs (Kristi Hoyl, Daffan Nettle, Paige Slates and Alicia Woods). The quartet took over the reins for the Texas Ballet Theater benefit fashion show and luncheon at the Winspear
Thursday from the event’s original chairs (Elaine Agather, Gina Betts, Tanya Foster and Olivia Kearney), who had been in charge for two years. While it wasn’t the 2011 chairs’ first rodeo, these fundraising vets faced a juggling challenge of having 2-2 on Thursday and the Crystal Charity Ball on Saturday.
What’s that? They had Friday to rest up in between gigs. Evidently, you’re new in town, partner. The CCB committee starts the ball preparations and installation the week of CCB at the Hilton Anatole. So, that meant the foursome were literally on their toes holding down duties for 2-2 and CCB. And you thought they just spent the week at a spa!
But the 2011 2-2 foursome were raring to raise funds and fun. Luckily, they had 2-2 vets like Stanley Korshak’s team led by Crawford Brock and Korshak fav designer Naeem Khan, who had been so very impressed with last year’s show that he brought his new collection for the ballerina models to wear.
As the limos lined up in front of the Winspear and the guests arrived, it became apparent that not all the fashions were going to be on stage. The ladies chatting and champagning in the lobby were making it known that black
hosiery (opaque, lace, fishnet, floral, stripes, dots and sheer) and boots (leather, fur, feather, over-the-knee, bootie, wedge and flat) are back for the season. As for the issue of where the hems should be, they were all over the place knee-wise — some above, some at and some below.
When it was time for the really big show, all adjourned to the stage with its Nutcracker backdrop. The show did not disappoint. Once again the lithe ballerinas showed off Naeem’s fashions beautifully with their male partners. From short to flowing, the clothes once again proved they could handle any dance step.
Alas, walking was another issue. It seemed that a couple of the very long gowns felt the force of the models’ heels. Hey, but these are ballerinas and they knew how to simply sweep the train aside or pick up the errant skirt nicely as if it were all planned.
The finale was a kaleidoscope of glitter and vivid colors received with a standing ovation.
After all this, emcee Scott Murray started the bidding for a trip to Naeem’s show in New York during Fashion Week plus a $5,000 outfit. It went for a steal — $4,500. Oh, dear. Last year the trip and a Naeem gift certificate of $3,000 went for $11,000.
A knight was needed to champion the dancers’ cause for support. He appeared. It was Crawford. A man who is no stranger to a microphone or a crowd pled the case with overwhelming sincerity and emotion. He told them
- how the lovely ballerinas often wait tables and work side jobs to allow them to rehearse and perform.
- the dancers often go through two pairs of slippers ($80 a pair) a week.
- unlike hungry professional models, the ballerinas were healthy looking
and on and on.
His quest for the dancers had a definite effect on the guests. It seems that during lunch in Prothro lobby, an anonymous donor (wink, wink) asked how much it would cost to adopt one ballerina. . . well, what about two? . . . say, three? . . . Ah, shoot! The lady decided to cut to the chase and provided the group with an early Christmas gift of $100,000. Nice one, Secret Sugar Plum Fairy.
For more photos, check MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.