THE CROWD:

The evening began with a glamorous candlelit formal dinner in the soaring glass lobby of the Reneé and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

The party was designed by uber-creative Newport floral designer Andrew Gromek. On some tables, winter calla lilies mixed with exotic white seasonal blooms sprouting from oversized glass columns on tables covered in ice blue linen overlaid with sheer sparkling cloths.

On other tables Gromek used vases designed as martini glasses suitable for King Kong. Votive candles mixed with tapers on silver pillars flickered. Elegant yet very fashion-forward and whimsical. Guests were delighted.

They had come to dine with fellow patrons welcoming the world-renowned Diana Vishneva performing her production titled “Beauty in Motion.”

Center president Terry Dwyer and his wife, Amy, presided over the dinner introducing center chairman Mike Gordon and wife Ellie, Mary and Bill Cramer, Gennie and Rich Hunsaker, Joan and Donald Beall, Bette and Wylie Aitken and the charming Michele Rohé.

As the crowd dined, glasses were raised toasting Vishneva and the world-class dance program created over 20 years of diligence by center executive VP Judy Morr and staff. The annual dance program at OCPAC has patrons from all over the coast clamor for the best seats.

Joining Morr and staff at the dinner were Ardani Artists Management execs Sergei and Giane Danilian, producers and co-commissioners with the Center.

Also spotted in the crowd were Loren Blackwood and Richard Moriarty, Barrett Steele and Beverly Coulter, Robert and Brenda Currie, Cindy and Stever Fry, and prominent dance sponsors Jane and Jim Driscoll.

Post performance, guests in attendance were invited to meet the cast, choreographers and musicians. Vishneva made a grand entrance to the applause of the crowd surrounded by choreographers Alexei Ratmansky, Moses Pendleton and Dwight Rhoden. Rhoden, who choreographed “Three Point Turn,” joined composer David Rozenblatt, who wrote the music to the piece being congratulated by the enthusiastic dance aficionados. Dancers from the Kirov Company mingled and mixed with guests, who met mezzo soprano Elena Sommer.

The spectacular evening went on past midnight. Another remarkable milestone of culture on the coast.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.