Venetian Ball at the Embassy of Italy

ADMISSION TO THE MAIN GALA IS AT 8:30 PM VIP ADMISSION IS AT 7:00 PM - The Majesty of Rome; - The Glory of Florence; and especially - The Beauty that is Venice Tonight, travel thousands of miles away and hundreds of years in the past without ever leaving Washington, DC. In a rare opportunity, step on to Italian soil for a very special and elegant evening at the Embassy of Italy. As you enter this incredible and beautiful Embassy, be transported to perhaps one of the most admired countries in Europe. Experience an Italian evening filled with Italian food, open bar, dancing, opera, film, and more! This classic celebration has been one of the hottest tickets to attend in Italy for centuries. Tonight, we invite you to come masquerade style (optional) and dance as they did on the most elegant of dance floors and ballrooms boarding Piazza San Marco, the Piazzetta, the Ducal Palace, or in the Bacino. We are offering a VIP and GENERAL (Reduced) Admission package. Charity: A portion of proceeds raised will go to the American Cancer Society PROGRAM: (VIP OPTION: SEE BELOW - INCLUDES DINNER AND EARLY ADMISSION) 1) ITALIAN OPEN BAR: Toast to Venice and Italy all night long with fantastic Italian wines, beers and other (non alcoholic beverages). 2) ITALIAN DESSERTS: Experience a buffet of authentic Italian desserts. (An optional VIP reception is also available via this website which includes a private reception with exquisite buffet dinner of Italian delicacies). DESERT MENU A Tuscan Village House Dessert Display Tiramisu Canolis Pizzelle, Biscotti, Snowball, Apricot Occhio di Bue, Amarelli Cookies Fresh Seasonal Fruit with Mascarpone Cream Coconut Macaroon dipped in Chocolate Florentines 3) VENETIAN BALLROOM MUSIC (8:30 pm to 10:30 pm): Tonight's Ball will fill the room with Italy’s and Europe's greatest classical ballroom treasures as you dance the night away in this unique, authentic setting. 4) VENETIAN BALLROOM DANCE PRESENTATION & LESSON: A masterful local Ballroom instructor/couple will perform a special dance show highlighting the ballroom classics as danced for centuries in the balls at Piazza San Marco . Following the demonstration, our instructors will offer a brief ballroom lesson to keep you dancing the way Venetians danced for centuries. 5) OPERA PRESENTATION: The first opera was performed in 1600 at the wedding of Maria de Medici and Henry IV of France at the Palazzo Pitti in Florence. Since then, Italy has created much of the world’s greatest opera. From Monteverdi’s creations at the Teatro San Cassiano, to Rossini’s comic operas such as The Barber of Seville, to the new and rising opera pièces of the 21st Century, the standard for all opera originates in, and permeates, the Italian soul. Tonight we present you with a unique sampling of timeless classics from the leading Opera houses of Italy. Two opera singers will be on hand for a live exclusive performance (from the Baroque, through the romantic period and to today). 6) MASQUERADE CONTEST: Note, while we will be in official Ball attire, for those who choose, we ask you to now wear your Venetian “mask” in a unique contest. Tonight, we will pick two winners (one male and one female). Winners will receive prizes. 7) LATE DJ & DANCING: In the last half of the evening, one of Washington, D.C.'s greatest D.J.s brings us the best in retro, swing and top 40 dancing - Italian style! 8) WIN A TRIP TO THE CARIBBEAN: Participate in a drawing in which one lucky winner will win a trip to the Caribbean (Air and Hotel). Note: This is primarily a stand up, buffet style reception with limited seating throughout the evening. We will have limited tables and chairs, but will not be able to accommodate seating for all attendees at one time. If you have any special needs, please email events@thingstodoDC.com in advance. VIP OPTION: For a little extra royalty this evening, you will get: - Early Admission to the Gala (7:30 PM); - Private Champagne Reception; - Special Early Dinner Menu, including: Genovese’s Antipasto Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Fresh Basil, Colorful Peppers, Pickled Vegetables, Carrots, Salami, Provolone, Olives, Melon and Red and Green Grapes A Chopped Salad of Fresh Crisp Greens, Golden Pear, Cucumber, Marinated Cranberry, Red Onion, Celery, Toasted Pine nuts Rich Balsamic Pancetta Dressing Breast of Chicken Marsala with Portobello Mushrooms Tortellini Alfredo Handmade Little Meatballs in Rustic Tomato Sauce Creamy Saffron Risotto with Shrimp and Caramelized Onions Green Beans with Cannellini, Sun-Dried Tomato and Oregano Focaccia, Garlic Toasts and Warm Italian Bread Whipped Butter, Herb Olive Oil and Pumpkin Butter