Island Moving Co. will present the Nuit Blanche, a fund raising gala on Friday, July 8, 2016 at the historic Bellevue Avenue estate of The Elms in Newport, Rhode Island.  The Nuit Blanche draws inspiration from the Paris Jazz Age, when jazz icons such as Josephine Baker and Django Reinhart entertained in chic clubs, rubbing shoulders with Hemingway, Houdini, Gertrude Stein and Scott & Zelda.  The Nuit Blanche begins at 7:30 p.m. and valet parking is available at the front entrance.  All proceeds from the gala will support Island Moving Co.’s education and collaborative creative programs.  Nuit Blanche: The Paris Jazz Age is supported by the Preservation Society of Newport County.

          Dominique Alfandre, Executive Director of the Island Moving Co., says, “We are excited to partner with our friends at the Preservation Society to bring our fabulous artist-filled evening to another new venue this year. The Elms is a stunning setting for this unique summer gala.”

The Elms Sunken Garden and its wide lawns and magnificent trees will provide the setting for performances by Island Moving Co.’s contemporary ballet dancers that will take place from 7:30 to 9 p.m.  Artistic Director Miki Ohlsen have choreographed performances that are in harmony with the historic setting and the Jazz Age-themed décor designed by Cindi and Marc Rapoza.  Musicians from the Larry Brown Swinglane Orchestra, elegant ballroom dancers, visual artists and actors from the Marley Bridges Theatre Company will entertain guests as they tour the grounds from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

At 9 p.m. musicians and dancers will lead guests into a tent for a brief live auction led by Emlen Drayton.  There will also be a silent auction of select items donated by local merchants and members of the community.  Patrons will join the artists on the dance floor as the Larry Brown Swinglane Orchestra plays till midnight.  Morin’s Catering will offer a French-inspired variety of charcuterie, breads, cheeses and other hors d’oeuvres.  An open bar will feature drinks, beer donated by Lagunitas Brewing Company of California and wines sponsored by Bellevue Wine & Spirits and wine expert Laurine Ryan Perry.

Tickets to the Nuit Blanche cost $200 per person and include an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and the entire evening of performances and dancing.  Reserved seating in the tent at a premium table for ten, with tableside service costs $5000; two tickets at a premium table costs $1000.  An exclusive pre-party will take place in the mansion at The Elms, with a tour of the art the mansion is famous for.  Tickets to the pre-party, which begins at 6pm, are $100 in addition.  All sponsors will be listed in the evening’s program.  For more information about Nuit Blanche and to purchase tickets visit www.islandmovingco.org. or call (401) 847-4470.

Island Moving Co.

Island Moving Company is a non-profit, classically trained contemporary ballet company, founded in 1982 on the belief that collaboration and a supportive environment enhance the creative process, producing great works of art representing profound expressions of the human spirit and experience.

The Company seeks to develop dance as a valuable art form for our community through presenting original works of choreography which connect audiences to their own emotions and provides a shared experience that transcends cultural boundaries. The Company’s ten dancers perform on tour and in Newport at the Great Friends Dance Festival in July and in the perennially-sold out Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff, as well as other diverse performances.

Details:

What:          Nuit Blanche: Paris Jazz Age, Island Moving Co. Gala & Performances

When:         Friday, July 8, 2016, 7:30 p.m.

Where:        The Elms, 367 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI. Valet parking at the front entrance.

Why:                    To support the programs and artists of Island Moving Company.

Etc:            Performances by the Island Moving Co. artists and other performers. Live and silent auctions, delicious French tidbits, wines and champagnes in an historic outdoor setting.

Tickets:      From $200 to $5,000.  Contact Island Moving Co., (401) 847 -4470, or purchase online at www.islandmovingco.org