PBT’s Ballet Ball: Mozart in Motion
The Place: Westin Convention Center Hotel, Downtown.
#HealThroughDance: For many in attendance during the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Pointe in Time Ball on Saturday night, there was a heaviness in their hearts lingering from the tragic mass shooting in Squirrel Hill only one week earlier. Yet, what was beautifully stated by guests was the importance of the arts in these challenging times.
“The ballet is a healing art. When tragedy strikes, there is liberation in the freedom of dance. I acknowledge that privilege I’ve had for so many years to move my body to music and to heal,” said Julia Erickson, principal dancer who retired with her final bow Oct. 28 from the PBT following an illustrious career.
Executive director Harris Ferris echoed that sentiment: “Dance isn’t a place to escape the world, it is a place that transcends the world, a place where when words aren’t enough. The language of dance can give greater breadth to our humanity. That’s why the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is so important to our community. It provides that space.”
Guests enjoyed a lively cocktail hour greeted by dancers before settling in for a three-course dinner and performance by the PBT artists. Event chairs Mark Flaherty and Mary McKinney Flaherty spoke on their appreciation for the ballet and how dance is a universal language of love. Mrs. Flaherty then went on to quote Hans Bos, Dutch cancer researcher: “While I dance I cannot judge, I cannot hate, I cannot separate myself from life. I can only be joyful and whole. This is why I dance.”
#SEEN: Artistic director Terrence Orr, Marianna Tcherkassky, Vivian and Bill Benter, Dawn and Chris Fleischner, #SEENBestDressed: McKnight with husband Steve, Tacy Byham and Ted Wiegand, Tim McVay and David Bush, Yana and Aaron Teter, Dr. Freddie and Hilda Fu, Dr. Melonie Nance and Dr. Umamaheswar Duvvuri, Demeatria Boccella, Rennick Remley, David Onufer and sister Molly Onufer, Kiya Tomlin, Greta Rooney, Angela and Mike DeVanney, Laura and Claude Kronk, Dr. Reshma Parajne, Charlene Campbell, and Patsy and Don McKinney.