There was a lot of energy at Ballet Ball 2010.

Perhaps the 400 people who turned out were curious to check out one of Nashville's newer venues, the Hutton Hotel. The night began with guests being directed up the lobby staircase to a landing and then into an elevator that opened into a long rectangular lobby for cocktails. After a spell, everyone filtered past a sea of orchids into the ballroom for dinner. Catching their eyes right away was an Art Deco style backdrop behind the band on the stage.

Chairmen Jennifer and Betsy had asked floral designer Mike Smith to work with hues of plum, aubergine, amethyst and sage green. Black beauty roses, calla lilies, sage-green purple-tipped hydrangeas and bamboo created the look, spilling out of clear vases of varying dimensions. The tallest arrangements featured sprays of deep purple orchids alongside spare, architectural bamboo. Votive candles, some floating in tall cylindrical glass vases, set the mood. The overall effect was Art Deco with a modern twist.

The Hutton staff was clearly excited to be hosting this premier event in their space. Executive Chef Charles Phillips and his staff provided a creative dinner.

As the guests settled into their grilled romaine salad course, Ballet Board Chairman Dan Slipkovich gave a welcome from the dais.

Afterward, the genteel crowd could no longer control themselves. When Pat Patrick picked up his baton, the calories starting flying off those who couldn't resist the dance floor.

Of course the secret weapon to get your guests to boogie is The Pat Patrick Orchestra. These guys know when to turn it up and when to slow it down. They morph from funk to Buble to Aretha like nobody else. They are the best in the biz.