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For Kentucky Ballet Theatre, fund-raiser is more a family affair

International dinner helps dance troupe pay its way

howard m. snyder Herald-leader social columnist

Things in the social world settled down considerably last week with only one benefit to speak of: ­Kentucky Ballet Theatre's ­International Dinner.

Jan Foody, president of the ballet's board, opened her home on Lane Allen Road to about 100 patrons for a pool-side supper with an ­international flair.

”It's our only fund-raiser,“ Foody said. ”We are more like family than an organization.“

Norbe Risco, the ballet's artistic director, roasted a pig for the event.

Patrons feasted on such treats as budingian bi ruman from Egypt, ­salpicon de dinde a la berrichone from France, albondigas and flan from Cuba, just to name a few.

All of ballet's dancers, along with many parents of the students at the troupe's academy, were at the party, which has been going on for 10 years, Foody said.

Bruce Brock of Berea was one of those parents. His daughter, Paxton Brock, has ”been dancing since she was 3,“ he said. ”We drive several days a week to come to Lexington for the Kentucky Ballet Theatre ­Academy.“

There are about 95 children ages 3 to 17 at the school, at 736 National Avenue, Foody said.

The professional company has nine dancers — four men and five women.

”We tour Kentucky quite ­extensively,“ Foody said. ”This year, we're doing six tours to different parts of the state.“

Since ticket sales don't generate enough money for the not-for-profit organization, ”we have this and some other things from time to time,“ she said.

William Bond and wife Leah Bond have been patrons of Kentucky Ballet Theatre since it began. ”The Kentucky Ballet Theatre is as close to a big-city ballet — Chicago — I've ever seen,“ William Bond said. ”And I'm very familiar with that.“

And, like at most of the benefits I attend, Foody echoed a quote I hear all too often: ”We need help.“