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.

All this – plus a portion of each ticket sale will benefit the American Cancer Society in memory of a former TTD staff member. (see below)

We are offering a VIP and GENERAL (Reduced) Admission package.

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 (nonalcoholic 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 an exquisite buffet dinner of Italian delicacies).

DESERT MENU:

Cannoli

Cassata

Limoncello Cookies

Tiramisu

Individual Ricotta Cheesecake with almonds

Zabaglione Sauce with Berries

Fritelle alla Veneziane

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 that have been 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)  CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION: In memory of a former TTD staff member a portion of each ticket will be going to the American Cancer Society. For full details about the organization see http://www.cancer.org/ .

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 [email protected] in advance.

VIP OPTION:  For a little extra royalty this evening you will get:

– Early Admission to the Gala (7:00 PM);

– Private Champagne Reception;

– Special Early Dinner Menu including:

Spinaci Nani Ravanelli Ricotta Salata

(Baby spinach and radish salad in a red wine and shallot vinaigrette topped with shaved airdried ricotta cheese)

Pomodori Assortiti Con Cipolla Rossa e Basilico

(Heirloom tomato salad with red onion and fresh basil)

Via Veneto

(Tomato mozzarella roasted veal sausage and bell peppers)

Arancine

Baccala Mantcata

(Cod salad)

Risi Bisi with Pancetta

Gnocchi with Sage

Maltagliati Ferragamo

(Maltagliati pasta with veal and porcini mushroom ragu and fresh herbs in a light tomato sauce)

Garganelli Cozze e Gamberi in Salsa di Pomodoro

(Garganelli pasta shrimp and mussels with tomato sauce)

Maltagliati Ferragamo

(Maltagliati pasta with veal and porcini mushroom ragu and fresh herbs in a light tomato sauce)

Quaglie Alla Griglia Servete con Patate Arrosto e Vegetali

(Grilled boneless quails served with roasted potatoes and summer vegetables)

Focaccia con la Robiola e Olio Tartufato

(Robiola cheese focaccia with truffle olive oil)

NOTE: Please be advised that this event is NOT directly organized by the Embassy of Italy. Any concern or information request on the event MUST be addressed through our organization directly. Please do not contact the embassy with any specific questions.

Suggested Attire

Black Tie Optional. Minimum of Suit & Tie for men. Casual wear jeans or sneakers prohibited.

Event Venue

Embassy of Italy, 3000 Whitehaven St NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States