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  1. Venues & Destinations
  2. United States
  3. Las Vegas

Table Centerpieces Evoke Dancers' Legs at Nevada Ballet Benefit

Rebecca Theim
February 4, 2011

Amid ballet dancers, Cirque du Soleil performers, and centerpieces evocative of ballet dancers, the Nevada Ballet Theatre honored Priscilla Presley as its 27th Woman of the Year, at the organization's Black & White Ball at Aria Resort & Casino at Las Vegas' CityCenter. Internally, Nancy Houssels, the Nevada Ballet’s co-founder and board co-chair, who has been at the helm of the Black & White Ball since its inception, oversaw the event, with assistance from Jenn Kratochwill, director of public relations for the theater.

Presley, who was accompanied to the event by three other generations of her family, including her daughter with Elvis Presley, Lisa Marie, entered the ballroom alongside four costumed performers from Aria's Cirque du Soleil show, Viva Elvis, all of whom portrayed Elvis at different stages of his life. But with the exception of a performance from Viva Elvis, the rest of the evening belonged to Priscilla Presley and the Nevada Ballet.

Guests arriving at the pre-event reception saw live performances by members of the Nevada Ballet Theatre. Although the Black & White Ball always has featured performances by the company, this year was the first time dancers performed in the more intimate reception area, where guests could be literally inches away from them.

Table centerpieces were evocative of the legs of ballet dancers and included purple orchids and faux jewels in a nod to one of the signature colors in Presley's jewelry line. "We wanted to show a level of elegance and sophistication, but also some playfulness to represent Priscilla’s lifestyle and career," said Julie Gilday-Shaffer, of the JGS Group, which managed the event. "This was an evening that honored Priscilla Presley, not Elvis. It really was her night."

America Idol and So You Think You Can Dance producer Nigel Lythgoe, a personal friend of the Presley family, introduced Priscilla Presley after a video tribute featuring scenes from her numerous TV and film appearances, including the Naked Gun movies with the late Leslie Nielsen, Melrose Place, Dallas, Touched by an Angel, and Dancing with the Stars.

The event raised more than $200,000 for the Nevada Ballet Theatre.

E19936standalone
Photo: Cashman Photo
The Nevada Ballet Theater honored Priscilla Presley as its 27th Woman of the Year at its annual Black & White Ball at Aria. Presley entered the ballroom accompanied by performers from Viva Elvis.
The Nevada Ballet Theater honored Priscilla Presley as its 27th Woman of the Year at its annual Black & White Ball at Aria. Presley entered the ballroom accompanied by performers from Viva Elvis.
Photo: Cashman Photo
Table centerpieces were evocative of the legs of ballet dancers and included purple orchids and faux jewels in a nod to one of the signature colors in Presley's jewelry line.
Table centerpieces were evocative of the legs of ballet dancers and included purple orchids and faux jewels in a nod to one of the signature colors in Presley's jewelry line.
Photo: Kelly McKeon
Presley addressed the more than 550 attendees near the end of the evening.
Presley addressed the more than 550 attendees near the end of the evening.
Photo: David Becker/WireImage
The decor included three different table settings, pinspotted from above.
The decor included three different table settings, pinspotted from above.
Photo: Cashman Photo
Centerpieces on some of the tables were designed to evoke a ballet dancer's legs.
Centerpieces on some of the tables were designed to evoke a ballet dancer's legs.
Photo: Kelly McKeon
A member of the Nevada Ballet Theatre posed with a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, which was a lot in the evening's live auction.
A member of the Nevada Ballet Theatre posed with a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, which was a lot in the evening's live auction.
Photo: Kelly McKeon
Performers from Aria's Cirque du Soleil show Viva Elvis performed to Elvis Presley's 'Suspicious Minds.'
Performers from Aria's Cirque du Soleil show Viva Elvis performed to Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds."
Photo: Kelly McKeon
Presley posed with Nevada Ballet Theatre members and American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance producer Nigel Lythgoe, who introduced Presley earlier in the evening.
Presley posed with Nevada Ballet Theatre members and American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance producer Nigel Lythgoe, who introduced Presley earlier in the evening.
Photo: Cashman Photo
The decor in the reception area outside of the ballroom highlighted the dance area where members of the Nevada Ballet Theatre performed before the program.
The decor in the reception area outside of the ballroom highlighted the dance area where members of the Nevada Ballet Theatre performed before the program.
Photo: Kelly McKeon
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