The Washington Ballet Unmasks A Grand Masquerade Soiree

NORTHWEST -- Choose a mask and wear it well, so your true identity no one can tell.

So the program read on Saturday evening, during The Washington Ballet's third annual ballet soiree inside the soaring walls of the Homer Building on 13th Street.

And while the masks on display, in keeping with the night's 'Grand Masquerade' theme, afforded a certain degree of mystery, the resulting party was unmistakably the work of the dance company's Women's Committee and Jete Society -- crowded dance floor, prominent VIPs, faces full of smiles, and all.

Co-chaired this year by Ashley Taylor Bronczek and Stacey Lubar, the celebration began with a private reception for VIPs at 7:00p.m. Sponsors for 'Unmask the Night' included some of Washington's largest businesses, such as FedEx, Jones Lang LaSalle, and Akridge Real Estate.

The doors were then thrown open to all ticketholders at 8:00p.m., with the building's historic lobby bathed in a lush sea of colors thanks to the decor teams from Syzygy Event Productions, Petals & Hedges, and Digital Lighting.

Perched high above the crowd on a prime fourth floor perch, DJs EZGrüüv and Blurry Vision ensured that the dance floor remained packed throughout the night with a constant stream of fan favorite songs.

Indeed, the only time when the dance floor didn't appear jammed was when members of The Washington Ballet's studio company treated guests to a special 'Diamant' performance, as choreographed by faculty member Aaron Jackson.

Proceeds from Saturday's benefit will be used to support the dance company's diverse and innovative programming schedule, which combines world class dancing with cutting-edge choreography. Now led by Artistic Director Septime Webre, The Washington Ballet is considered one of the pre-eminent ballet organizations in the United States.

Beyond delivering a great time and raising much-needed funds, 'Unmask the Night' also served as the kickoff celebration for the current ballet season, which will include performances of Giselle at the Kennedy Center from October 30th to November 3rd and The Nutcracker at Warner Theatre from December 6th through December 29th.

No masks required to attend those, however.