All that glitters isn't necessarily gold, as proved by the decor at the Miami City Ballet's 20th anniversary Platinum Gala, held at the Coconut Grove Convention Center. Since tradition calls for platinum gifts in celebration of 20 years, the event's planners—Rosalind Richter (chair woman of the ballet's Miami-Dade board of directors) and members Tina Carlo and Gerri LeBow—had no problems deciding on the theme, but the locale was a different story."We had to change venues at the last minute and couldn't find a hotel with a large enough space," Richter said. "The center provided a 45,000-square-foot raw space for us to create a glamorous evening for more than 600 supporters."
The area was converted into three distinct environments. A cocktail reception featured various tones of cream throughout the space, from the tables to the bar, adding a glam 1930's feel. Guests were sated with heavy hors d'oeuvres and visits to carving stations before passing into the next room. A full stage area was built with theater seating so guests could enjoy performances by Arturo Sandoval, Peabo Bryson, and Oleta Adams. Each performed solos then collaborated in the end to deliver a Vegas-style show in the heart of Coconut Grove.
The final destination was the dining area, which Barton G. transformed in opposition to the lighter-colored reception area. The room was draped off in black and round tables featured black linens with overlays of silver and gray lattice-patterned fabric and platinum chargers. Six-foot tall centerpieces erupted from a base of orchids and roses surrounded by white votive candles. For a dramatic look, orchids were woven around the cylindrical vases as well, which were topped with more flowers for a finishing touch. Barton G. also catered the two-course dinner, which ended with a trio of treats that included a mocha ice cream sundae served with fudge, whipped cream, and a cookie with the Miami City Ballet's logo on it.
The room was intended for dining and dancing, which everyone did on the customized dance floor made with the same silver and gray lattice pattern as the linens. Edward Villella, the ballet's artistic director, brought all the company members to the dance floor to get down. "We wanted the dancers to enjoy the gala as guests, not performers," Richter said. By the end of the evening, the intention had turned to reality.
—Vanessa Goyanes
Photos: Seth Browarnik
The area was converted into three distinct environments. A cocktail reception featured various tones of cream throughout the space, from the tables to the bar, adding a glam 1930's feel. Guests were sated with heavy hors d'oeuvres and visits to carving stations before passing into the next room. A full stage area was built with theater seating so guests could enjoy performances by Arturo Sandoval, Peabo Bryson, and Oleta Adams. Each performed solos then collaborated in the end to deliver a Vegas-style show in the heart of Coconut Grove.
The final destination was the dining area, which Barton G. transformed in opposition to the lighter-colored reception area. The room was draped off in black and round tables featured black linens with overlays of silver and gray lattice-patterned fabric and platinum chargers. Six-foot tall centerpieces erupted from a base of orchids and roses surrounded by white votive candles. For a dramatic look, orchids were woven around the cylindrical vases as well, which were topped with more flowers for a finishing touch. Barton G. also catered the two-course dinner, which ended with a trio of treats that included a mocha ice cream sundae served with fudge, whipped cream, and a cookie with the Miami City Ballet's logo on it.
The room was intended for dining and dancing, which everyone did on the customized dance floor made with the same silver and gray lattice pattern as the linens. Edward Villella, the ballet's artistic director, brought all the company members to the dance floor to get down. "We wanted the dancers to enjoy the gala as guests, not performers," Richter said. By the end of the evening, the intention had turned to reality.
—Vanessa Goyanes
Photos: Seth Browarnik
Barton G. designed the dining room for the Miami City Ballet's 20th anniversary Platinum Gala.
Legendary Latin musician Arturo Sandoval performed on a full stage built inside the Coconut Grove Convention Center.
The cocktail reception had a retro glam feel to it with the help of this oversized cream-colored bar.
One of three desserts served included an ice cream sundae with a cookie with Miami City Ballet's logo on it.
