Nevada Ballet Theatre celebrated its 2024 Woman of the Year, “Dancing With the Stars” judge on ABC, Emmy-nominated talk-show host, dancer, producer and wellness advocate Carrie Ann Inaba, at its 40th annual Black & White Ball at Encore on April 6.
With presenting sponsor Wynn Resorts, lead sponsor Mikimoto and supporting sponsor Balmain, the elegant black-tie affair hosted nearly 500 VIPs, arts supporters and community leaders who joined NBT in recognizing the artistic achievements and philanthropic contributions of Inaba.
The evening started with a VIP cocktail party with Inaba for Black & White Ball Diamond guests at Wynn Country Club. A cocktail reception in Encore Ballroom began at 6 p.m. for all guests before the program began shortly after 7 p.m.
Raj Kapoor, who recently served as executive producer of the 2024 Grammys and Oscars, presented the Woman of the Year tribute ahead of the award, a bronze sculpture of a dancer by artist Richard MacDonald.
David Perrico Pop Strings Orchestra served as the band, and there were performances by NBT’s Future Dance Scholars, NBT’s Professional Company performing “Dance of the Cygnets” from “Swan Lake,” teens and seniors from NBT’s award-winning Competition Group and Daniella Karagach and Pasha Pashkov from “DWTS.”
Nevada Ballet Theatre has spent more than 50 years inspiring audiences and educating children through professional company productions, dance training and free community education programs. Since 1985, the Black & White Ball has honored female pioneers and entertainment legends for their artistic achievements and philanthropic contributions while shining a light on NBT’s community impact.
Past recipients include Elaine Wynn (the first in 1985), Debbie Reynolds, Chita Rivera, Carol Channing, Ann Margret, Rita Rudner, Paula Abdul, Twyla Tharp, Bette Midler, Marie Osmond, Priscilla Presley, Eva Longoria, Mitzi Gaynor, Florence Henderson, Debbie Allen, Olivia Newton-John, Vanessa Williams, Giada De Laurentiis, Rita Moreno, Shania Twain, Judy Collins and Lea Thompson.
Funds raised from the ball support NBT professional company productions at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts; its affiliated school the Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre; and community education programs that serve more than 20,000 students a year, including those in underserved communities.
