“The flowers were from my wedding,” said Bridget Dixon Nguyen, of the silk blooms she wore in her hair to the Encore portion of the San Francisco Ballet’s 82nd repertory season opening night gala, held on Thursday, January 22. By virtue of the origin story accompanying them, Nguyen’s orchid hair ornaments were a fitting tribute to the evening’s Infinite Romance theme. The posies also echoed the elegant décor of the South Light Court at City Hall where tables were set with white orchid centerpieces. The evening also included a few elements that have become unofficial traditions for Encore gala vice chair Nguyen and Encore gala chair Greer Goings. “We’re using the same iPod Nano for tonight’s music,” joked Goings whose iPod provided the party’s soundtrack last year. “I don’t think Apple even sells this model anymore, it’s so old… but we have a new playlist!” she said. This year, artists including Franz Ferdinand, Duffy, Wild Belle, and Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes made the cut. Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy,” closed out the cocktail hour. “I had to put a little Iggy on there,” joked Goings. “Tonight, we’re definitely ‘Fancy.'”

By Jennifer McCullum

Pictured: Greer Goings and Bridget Dixon Nguyen at the 2015 San Francisco Ballet opening night gala.
Photo by: Drew Altizer