A Mad Hot Tea Party

I recently attended the National Ballet of Canada's annual fundraising gala "Mad Hot Ballet" (or "Mad Hot Wonderland which was this year's theme).

The evening included some excerpts from the company's repertoire, which was introduced by the current Artistic Director, Karen Kain. 

The first time I went to one of these galas the dance showcase was spectacular. Sadly, that was about 4 years ago and since then they've chosen to go with moody duets and emotional solos instead of intricate group pieces. Not that there's anything wrong with... actually, one sec....

Dear National Ballet of Canada, 

I love your Mad Hot (or White Hot) Gala's. It's a great excuse to dress up, the food is usually quite good and it's fun to people-watch while sipping on the signature drink of the evening. 

That being said, I thought this year's dance showcase was dull. I didn't understand the decision to put 2 similar modern-ballet pieces back to back (yes, I know they are not actually the same at all technically). Your decision to showcase Greta was appropriate but surely you could have found something else for her to perform other than the iconic solo from Swan Lake. Yes, it's iconic, it's also been seen a fair bit don't you think? And could you have chosen anything more depressing??

Luckily, I had not yet seen Alice in Wonderland so those excerpts were a wonderful preview for me. On that note, Alice was one of the most entertaining shows I have seen and it was refreshing to see such a theatrical ballet performance. In fact, I thought the show was down right amazing!

I would love to see more works like this in your repertoire. 

Lastly, there has to be a better way to put out the finger-food for the commoners regular ticket-holders* which doesn't result in me getting crushed by a mob. 

Sincerly, 

S.A. of The In Search of Yummy-ness Blog

Sorry folks, I had to get that one off my chest!! To make up for it... umm.... more photos!!

I want all of these tea cups!! (From William-Ashley)

Apparently the food was catered by North 44, one of Mark McEwan's Ventures. I don't know what this is, but it was DELICIOUS!!!!

A yummy gourmet cupcake

There's a bunny in my cup!! SO CUTE!!!
This is a "White Rabbit Cocktail"

He isn't food-related, but here's a pic of Rex Harrington!

My photos aren't great because I didn't take my DSLR (it would have clashed with my dress....ha ha).
For more (better) photos (which don't belong to me) visit this website

*A ticket that included the post-performance dinner (again, catered by North 44) cost $1,500. Tables ranged from $15,000 - $25,000. I can only dream...