A JAZZY BLACK AND WHITE BALL

DJD supporters don cool costumes

Surely one of the best fundraising parties going is Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ (DJD) Black and White Ball. Since 1984, the ball has been the perfect event to see and be seen — all the while raising funds for the iconic dance school and performance troupe.

The ball was a hit from Day 1 as scores of DJD supporters donned their coolest costumes to pack the Fairmont Palliser to sip, sup and dance the night away. In 1993, the ball outgrew the Palliser and moved to the Jubilee Auditorium, where it raised the roof for many years. A respite of several years certainly left a visible hole in the fun and fundraising landscape, but thankfully, the ball returned to its roots at the Palliser in 2015.

This year’s Black and White Ball, held March 11, welcomed more than 550 guests, including many of Calgary’s business notables such as: Perren Stern (PwC); Kate Royer (Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP); Don McPherson ( Richardson GMP) and his wife Anne; Randy Olenberger (BMO Capital Markets); Michelle MacPherson (Hello Gorgeous); and Dan Evans (Evans Hunt).

Also present were longtime DJD supporters Art Silver, Kory Ireland, Jan and Rod Wittig, Brian McClennon (Kismet Solutions) and DJD board chair Pam Corbett (Cenera). Coun. Evan Woolley was in attendance as were event co-chairs Claire Auroi (Shaw) and Evan Wilson (Canadian Wind Energy Association). Guests danced the night away to the sounds of Penguins on Broadway all the while enjoying impromptu performances by DJD’s incredible dancers. More than 30 different performers — including dancers from DJD’s professional company — dazzled with their athleticism and style. More than $70,000 was raised thanks to guests and invaluable sponsors. Others in attendance are pictured.

PHOTOGRAPHS: CARY SCHATZ/ SCHATZYPANTS PHOTOGRAPHY Joining Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (DJD) executive director Kathi Sandstorm, centre, at DJD’s Black and White Ball held recently at the Fairmont Palliser were Nam Dang Mitchell, left, and Jim Mitchell.

Amy Bauer, a dancer in DJD’s professional training program, strikes a pose in a striking black and white outfit during the ball.

From left are Jason Cormack, Jamie Freeman Cormack, DJD professional training program director, and Joanne Baker, DJD dance school principal and arts in education co-ordinator.

Dr. Julie Thomson, from left, Lesley-Anne Wilkinson and Amanda Cain were elegant and theme-appropriate in their black and white party fashions.

Among the more than 550 guests in attendance were, from left, Franca Dejong, media darling Barb Higgins, legal ace Lonny Balbi and Brad Moore.

Ball co-chair and DJD board member Evan Wilson, with Lisa Pompu, appears happy to see the large crowd gathered to support DJD.

Looking fabulous is Katherine Trainor, a dancer in the professional training program at DJD.