The Snowball Gala when it sizzles

 

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Staten Islanders stepped into the world of Cape Town Saturday evening at a Snowball Gala dubbed "A Hot Time on a Cold Night," as Nicotra's Ballroom at the Hilton Garden Inn was transformed into the African city that has become a tourist mecca.

 

The floor show was replete with traditional zulu dancing by Juxtapower, a South African song and dance company, followed by an ensemble number by members of the Staten Island Professional Ballet Company. The hot, Las Vegas-style revue set to music opened with dancers positioned atop Table Top Mountain -- a magnificent backdrop handcrafted by Gene Sorensen and Donald DeRosa.

 

Interior designer Sean Psomas of Wildflowers, New Dorp, brought the terrain of the country into the Bloomfield venue. He used cobra-like shimmery, terra-cotta fabric for tabletoppers that showcased towering centerpieces of flowers from the ginger collection, a tropical arrangement indigenous to the region -- that alternated with brilliant orchids and gerbera daisies. Interestingly, Sean reveals that contrary to the belief of most, animal prints aren't widespread in Cape Town -- there's more of a Colonial sophistication probably because of the area's early English/Dutch settlers.

 

Staten Island Ballet Board Member, Joanne Megna contributes to the magic. She teams with Sean each year in order to create a distinctive motif. Says Sean: "Each year my most-honored compliment comes from Joanne when she says, 'I can't believe this year's event was even better than last year!'"

 

The event is always free of speeches and chairpeople, because, as Ellen Tharp, artistic director of the Staten Island Ballet, says: "Our honorees are the guests who keep the arts community alive. The evening is filled with fun and style to raise funds and for guests to enjoy all it has to offer." Proceeds are directed to the Staten Island Ballet's Children's Scholarship Fund and the Staten Island Ballet's Free Performance Series.

 

We'd say Mrs. Tharp has breathed new life into the formalized type of dance performance we call ballet.

Those who would like to learn more about the programs offered by the Staten Island Ballet Company may wish to telephone Mrs. Tharp at 718-980-0500.

 

For photos go to SIlive.com/photos.