The Hong Kong Ballet Ball 2008 "Jewels" was successfully held last Saturday 19th January 2008 at the Grand Ballroom of InterContinental Hotel. 450 guests and celebrities and the Guest of Honour, Mrs Carrie Yau, Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Bureau came together in support of Hong Kong's world-class ballet company. A preliminary estimate of HK$8.1 - HK$8.2 million net has been raised, a record-breaking amount for the Company.
The soirée was most privileged to welcome Julius Baer, Switzerland's leading dedicated wealth manager, as Title Sponsor, as well as having Van Cleef & Arpels, a long-term supporter of the Hong Kong Ballet Ball, as Luxury Sponsor.
Surrounded by the décor of a grand opera house, guests were enjoying fine champagne, wine, delicious food and a great variety of entertainments. Highlight of the evening was the Hong Kong Ballet's performance of two stunning excerpts from the Company's repertoire, featuring principal ballerinas Faye Leung and Jin Yao: Jin Yao danced the leading role in Paquita and Faye Leung danced the final duet from Clear. Mr Andrea M. Benenati, CEO North Asia Julius Baer presented two achievement awards to Faye and Yao for their significant contributions to the Company.
The dance floor was soon filled up after the Hong Kong Ballet's Board Chairman Mr John J. Ying opened the first dance, together with the Guest of Honour Mrs. Carrie Yau to delightful tunes played by Andy Bautista and his band. Guests marveled at the fanciful dance presentation of Van Cleef & Arpels' new "Ballet Précieux" High Jewellery collection, designed by the House in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the creation of the ballet Jewels by the world's renowned choreographer George Balanchine.
The live auction ignited excitement in the ballroom with the top auction item "Pulcinella" Ballerina Clip - a masterpiece valued at HK$1.5 million from the Van Cleef & Arpels' "Ballet Précieux" collection. Other auction items included a pair of screen prints of Andy Warhol's Marilyn Monroe - Sunday B Morning Edition, a funky mixed style chair by Contrasts Gallery and a deluxe travel package to Phuket. MGM Grand Macau offered guests the opportunity to win attractive prizes by turning its wheel in support for pointe shoes for the Hong Kong Ballet ballerinas. Dr Flora Cheong-Leen and Russell Wong gave a lively touch to the evening by being the emcees of the Gala.
The Hong Kong Ballet's heartfelt thanks also go to Mr Richard Li and Dr Allan Zeman as Food Sponsors, and Mrs Yama Chan Gaw and Ms Lilian Shih as Wine Sponsors. We are grateful for Dom Pérignon's support as Champagne Sponsor and Hong Kong Tatler for providing the Gala's glamorous printed materials.
This year, Mr John J. Ying, Board Chairman of the Hong Kong Ballet, joined forces with the Ball Organising Committee Co-Chairmen Mrs Daisy Ho and Mrs Mira Yeh to make "Jewels" another sparkling event in Hong Kong.
Enquiries: Mei-yee Wong at 2105 9712, or meiyee_wong@hkballet.com