12/2/11

Iman Hosts Alvin Ailey Opening Night Gala Benefit; Welcomes New Artistic Director Robert Battle; John Legend Performs

Beautiful gown alert! (L-R) Alicia Blythewood, Ashley NYC, Pamela Joyner

(L-R)artist Gina P. Nelson, Ashley NYC, former Alvin Ailey dancer Phil Thomas
Alvin Ailey's new Artistic Director Robert Battle

It was my first Alvin & Ailey performance and the powerful dancing, accompanied with majestic music, was spectacular! First Lady Michelle Obama was an honorary chair, and I was heartbroken that she was unable to attend. Supermodel Iman also guest chaired the event. John Legend gave a magnificent performance while he sang and played the piano, with a dancer joining him. One dance performance was played to classical music; another to jazz, and my personal favorite was to Black church music. This was new Artistic Director Robert Battle inaugural event. Following the opening night performance at New York City Center was the dinner gala at the Hyatt Hotel. It sure was an immaculate set up! And unlike other dinner events which could be a bit unexciting, this dinner surrounded a large dance floor! How could they expect us to enjoy some of the most talented dancers in the world and not feel inspired to dance ourselves? I sure did have a good time!



Love the bow ties! (L-R) Wayne Christie, Thomas Parkins, Ashley NYC, Lyndon Mackenzie, Joe Risico

Supermodel Iman looked stunning! Her elegant gown was the same color as the curtain, lovely


(L-R) Jessye Norman, Board Chari Joan Weill






Alvin Ailey dancers on the dance floor following dinner


After dinner dancing!















Natasha Bedingfield Performs @ UNICEF Snowflake Ball

Natasha Bedingfield gave an amazing performance!



actress Zoe Kravitz has great style!

actress Angie Harmon looked like a supermodel all glammed up!

The annual UNICEF Snowflake Ball brought out many celebrities and philanthropists to support better lives for children around the world in third world countries. Sharon Taylor accepted the Spirit of Compassion Award on of behalf of Mark B. Grier of Prudnetial. The Audrey Hepburn Humanitarian Award went to Ken Hayami, Executive Director/Secretary General, Japan Committee for UNICEF.
Natasha Bedingfield performed three songs, including one of my favorite songs, ‘Unwritten’. Young People's Chorus of New York City also blessed the crowd with singing


UNICEF employees, volunteers and gala guests having drinks across the street after event

Girl Power! Alicia Blythewood (L), Pamela Joyner (2nd from L), Deb Shriver (3rd from R), Dayle Haddon (2nd from R)

Ranjana Kahn wearing a fabulous dress made by her fashion designer husband Naeem Kahn



Senior Vice President of Prudential Financial Sharon Taylor accepts award



Ken Hayami accepts award




President and CEO, U.S. Fund for UNICEF Caryl Stern