Divas, Dancing, and Donations

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending Dance Kaleidoscope's annual "Kaleidoscope of Dance" Gala as the guest of my friend and the organization's Board Chair Elect, Jim Anthony. This year's theme for the black-tie optional event was "Diva Fever." The evening celebrated the music of legends past and present, with many guests channeling their favorite divas from Tina Turner to Freddie Mercury. Unable to settle on a particular artist, I simply channeled myself, pairing a favorite vintage 1950s cocktail hat with other pieces already in my closet to create something "new." 

I discovered this 1950s hat in a vintage store in Chicago a few years ago. It's definitely not a "wear every day" kind of chapeau, but I've worn it a few times, each time paired with a different dress and accessories. 

This was my first time to experience the upbeat, high energy annual fundraiser featuring DK's fantastically talented dance troupe performing to live music, followed by fine food and more dancing (including some decidedly less talented dancing by yours truly). If you follow Red's Shoe Diaries, you probably know that I am not the most graceful person on the planet. (In other words, I trip over my own feet. A lot.)

Pale pink isn't a typical Red's Shoe Diaries color, but I love the subtle pink and white floral fabric of this dress by Eliza J from Nordstrom; The shoes are Nina; The pearl and rhinestone bag is from Charming Charlie.

Because the event was a fundraiser, the evening also featured both silent and live auctions, as well as an appeal for monetary contributions from DK Artistic Director David Hochoy and his dancers. As I listened to them talk about the organization and its financial needs, I wondered how many people realize that ticket sales for performances by non-profit organizations like DK don't even begin to cover the cost of producing them. 

The vintage pearl topper is actually intended to be worn further back on the head (think of Jackie O's iconic pillbox hats), but I prefer it forward with a quirky tilt; The statement necklace is from Jazzy Jewelry Indy.

Rather, local arts organizations typically rely on grants and donations to support the high-quality, professional productions that people clamor to see while keeping ticket prices at a level that keeps them accessible to a wide audience. This additional fundraising is critical: EVERYONE deserves the opportunity to experience the arts; and artists who share their gifts with the rest of us deserve to make a fair wage for doing so. If you haven't explored the arts in your community lately, check out what you're missing! And if you're looking to take in a fantastic show in Indianapolis soon, check out Dance Kaleidoscope's upcoming performances here!

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!

You may also enjoy these posts featuring the same hat styled differently:

 

I'm also linked up with Hat Attack!