Bella Notte, San Francisco Ballet Auxiliary’s opening gala on January 19, 2012, was a deluxe date that included not only world-class performances led by Helgi Tomasson, but also, thanks to dinner chair Carla Wytmar and McCall’s Chef Lucas Shoemaker, a memorable dining experience. Women in formal gowns and men in tuxedos began the evening with cocktails and dinner at City Hall, transformed into an ornate Italian palazzo. Umbrella-ready valets helped guests navigate through the torrential rain to the War Memorial Opera House for dazzling San Francisco Ballet opening night performances. Afterward, they went back through the rain to City Hall for lounging and dancing the night away at the Dolce Vita-themed afterparty.
Red carpet style at San Francisco Ballet’s Bella Notte:
Photos by Drew Altizer Photography
— Related: Red Carpet Bay Area coverage of more San Francisco Ballet Opening Gala events:
- Red Carpet Style on Opening Night at the Ballet (2015)
- Infinite Romance at San Francisco Ballet Gala (2015)
- Cute Couples at Encore!’s Opening Night Party (2015)
- A Phenomenal Night for San Francisco Ballet (2014)
- The Late Scene on Opening Night at San Francisco Ballet (2014)
- San Francisco Ballet’s Global Tribute (2013)
- Encore! on Opening Night for San Francisco Ballet (2013)
- High Style at San Francisco Ballet’s Opening Night Gala (2012)
- San Francisco Ballet Gala Honors Helgi Tomasson (2010)
- Encore! Gala for San Francisco Ballet (2010)
- San Francisco Ballet Opening Gala Video (2009)
