The Princesses & Pirates Gala black-tie event celebrated the start of Pennsylvania Ballet’s 53rd Season at the elegant Union League of Philadelphia.

The gala theme is inspired by two of the full-length ballets scheduled for the upcoming season- the most enduring fairytale of all-time, Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella, and Artistic Director Angel Corella’s take on the highly popular, pirate-themed Le Corsaire
First up starting on Thursday is Cinderella by Ben Stevenson, music by Sergei Prokofiev October 13, 2016 to October 23, 2016 Academy of Music

Angel Corella (l) with Gala vice-chairs Brad Richards and David Schellenberg

Josh, Nicholas, Max, Ryan & Nikki Memmelaar

Ian Bailey and Karen Cutler

Charles Askegard, ballet master at Pennsylvania Ballet., Young Friends Chair Alexandra Noll, David Gray, Executive Director at Pennsylvania Ballet and his wife Kyra Nichols

Keith Straw, Louise & Allen Reed

Kristin & David Touchstone, the always stylish Rick & Flo Celender

The Lincoln Room was decorated beautifully

Stop by October 13th-23rd as the Pennsylvania Ballet kicks off the Season with Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella!


The black-tie evening was an elegant affair with a cocktail party, a lively auction where bottles of spirits were won, and after dinner guests danced to the sounds of the Renaissance Orchestra


Sean Edwards and Eric Allen Smith look on as Kelly Edwards was bidding on an exclusive vacation weekend.

Thanks to Andre Flewellen for shooting the Ballet Gala for Philly Chit Chat. I was shooting the Oktoberfest. More photos will appear in Philly Style Magazine and Liberty City Press next week.