It’s a rare thing to have 5 distinct ballets melded into one evening’s performance, but then nothing short of exceptional would have suited The National Ballet of Canada’s Diamond Gala, held last Thursday. From the world premiere (1 of 2 that night) of Silence Screams Venom by principal dancer Guillaume Côté and starring principal dancer Greta Hodgkinson to the company’s grand finale — a duly chosen excerpt from Diamonds from Jewels by George Balanchine — the celebration of The National Ballet of Canada’s 60th anniversary season was an awe-inspiring performance that left us eager for the company’s 61st season.

Aside from the glitter on stage, patrons were invited to try their luck in a lottery that boasted a diamond bracelet set in white gold from Royal de Versailles (198 sparkly ones all around!) and a Hermès Birkin handbag amongst the premium prizes to be won.

Whether a charmed lottery winner or not, all in attendance sparkled in their black tie attire, making the evening’s central attraction almost as much the exquisite fashion on display (tutus very much included), as the ballet itself.

Happy 60th National Ballet!

For more information on The National Ballet of Canada and their 2012-2013 season, visit www.national.ballet.ca