Mark your calendar for The Big Muddy Dance Company’s Annual Ball. It celebrates the culmination of its fourth season on May 28 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. The evening features cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a dance performance, followed by dinner and live music. Co-chairs are Cathy Berges and Cheri Fromm.
Proceeds support Senior Embrace, the company’s outreach program and workshop aimed at invigorating the lives of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, and those of their caregivers. The workshop encourages the patients to experience a dance performance, move along with the dancers and, if desired, get up and dance themselves.
The Big Muddy Dance Company is a St. Louis-based contemporary repertory company named for the numerous rivers that flow through and around St. Louis. It is dedicated to creating high-quality, entertaining dance through artistic excellence, and a major focus of the company is to train and develop future talent. They also engage emerging and renowned choreographers for their dance ensembles. The Big Muddy was founded in April 2010 by artistic director Paula David, former dancer with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and a dance instructor for more than 25 years. Guests will meet the new artistic director, Brian Enos, who recently
joined the company.
Wondering what to wear? The event is on a Thursday night, and as a gala, it calls for cocktail wear. Going from work? Change out your handbag and shoes to transform your outfit. Creative expression in dance can certainly lend itself to trendy, creative and colorful attire. Think happy, summer colors like coral, yellow, green and white. For men? A suit and tie are encouraged. For more information on the Big Muddy Dance Company, please visit thebigmuddydanceco.org.
Pictured above: Diane Von Furstenberg clutch, neimanmarcus.com
[tricks of the trade]
Q| I’d like to incorporate the new trend of culottes into my wardrobe. What are some tips for wearing them if you’re short?
A| Culottes are basically a wide-legged, three-quarter trouser (or some would say a divided skirt). If you are short in stature, pairing them with a heel will help lengthen the leg. If you can’t wear heels, make sure the pant length is longer and pair with an elegant, pointy flat.
[Ellen Soule is a public relations and fashion consultant. She is the St. Louis regional director for Fashion Group International.]
