During the cocktail reception in the West Court, Occasions Caterers passed mojitos alongside Latin-inspired hors d’oeuvres such as Acapulco corn cakes, salmon ceviche, and pulled-pork arepas. “We were really trying to transport people to another place—old Havana or Brazil,” said Washington Ballet manager of special events Jennifer Bristow.
While the decor set a festive tone, the multiple performances kept the crowd entertained. The Mariachi Los Amigos band serenaded guests as they arrived in the venue’s horseshoe-shaped driveway, while inside, Spanish guitarist Michael Bard floated through the V.I.P. cocktail party, salsa band Sin Miedo performed during the regular cocktail hour, and the Free Spirit band got many dancing post-dinner. A contortionist duo also performed during dinner, simultaneously forming their bodies into one-foot by one-foot cubes, and five members of the ballet performed a two ensemble pieces from Juanita y Alicia.
The evening’s special surprise? A rare salsa performance by the ballet's artistic director, Septime Webre. Bristow installed two large video screens high on the center-court walls, “so there isn’t a bad seat in the house, mimicking a theater in the round,” she said.




