Philanthropic Flappers: A Washington Ballet Good Time in the 20s

Outside, the weather was bleak and damp.  But inside the U. S. Chamber of Commerce building last Friday,  heels were kicking, long strands of pearls were flying, and the spirits were warming a wide cross section of Washingtonians gathered for the The Washington Ballet’s inaugural 1920s prohibition party.

The rollicking atmosphere, with its Fitzgerald homage, was in celebration of artistic director Septime Webre’s reprisal of his ballet “The Great Gatsby” this fall, a popular piece in the company’s repertoire which rightfully comes roaring back to the stage.

Guests pulled out all the stops — coming decked out in their Daisy Buchanan and “Old Sport” finest. Feathery head pieces, long-waisted flirty cocktail dresses, and, of course, vintage jewelry and hats transported the dance floor into a present day speakeasy.