Affordable tickets to a top-notch production of the Nutcracker will be available for your family this winter thanks in part to the 175 stylish ladies who each donated $150 to attend a fashion show Tuesday at the Baltimore School for the Arts.
The show, honoring Baltimore’s high-end fashion maven, Ruth Shaw, whom Harper’s Bazaar coroneted a Style Leader, will benefit the BSA’s annual Nutcracker performance.
Shaw, born in Baltimore and raised in D.C., opened her namesake Cross Keys boutique in 1973. Since then, she’s been ‘in’ in the fashion world, buying in Milan and New York while earning Baltimore credibility.
With Fergie’s “Labels or Love” thumping through the speakers Tuesday, the intimate runway at the BSA revealed Shaw’s boutique’s fall collection. Models from D.C., New York and Philadelphia strutted head-turning looks punctuated with stiletto ankle boots and pops of color such as electric blue stockings, thick gold bangles and purple elbow-length gloves.
Net proceeds from Tuesday’s morning and afternoon shows will fund the Nutcracker’s new sets and costumes.
“The Nutcracker production is a huge part of a student’s education,” said BSA Director Leslie Shepard. “The Nutcracker is the perfect vehicle for the students because there are so many roles, from the littlest third-graders as mice and angels up to the prima ballerina sugarplum fairy. As you advance in your training, you move through the cast. … The diversity in the cast is important as well. Kids in Baltimore can come and see ‘someone like me is up on the stage.’ And it’s not much of a stretch to imagine themselves up there.”
“There’s kids that never have a chance to express themselves until they arrive at the BSA,” said Shaw, who grew up loving dance. “I know when I was growing up I never felt like I was a part of anything. … I think it’s wonderful for these children to be able to come to a school where they feel where they can belong, express themselves while getting a good education.”
Ray Mitchener, who worked for Shaw for more than 30 years, bought Ruth Shaw boutique earlier this year. He selected the looks for Tuesday’s fashion show and knows firsthand how much the BSA’s Nutcracker needs new costumes.
“I get to be the father every year,” he said. “There’s safety pins where there should be cufflinks.”
FRONT ROW AT THE SHOW
- Before you shop for your fall wardrobe, get ideas from the associated slide show.
- To donate to the Baltimore School for the Arts, visit www.bsfa.org/donate.php or call 443-642-5165.
