Movers and Shakers Ball

Saint Louis Dance Theatre brings its annual gala, the Movers and Shakers Ball, to the Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL on Friday, October 23. It's the company's biggest fundraiser of the year and also serves as the kickoff for their new season, so it's a bit of both: a party and a preview of what's coming. The whole evening is built around the idea that everything in motion orbits something else — a center of gravity, a community, a purpose — and the night's message runs "Everything in motion. Everything connected."

The performance side of the night features the company's main-stage work, including Cloud 9 by Norbert De La Cruz III and a company film, alongside the world premiere of Salam by Kirven Douthit-Boyd. When the dancing wraps, the night keeps going with a DJ after-party featuring PBNJEFFY and TreHitz. The gala is also a partnership with 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis, whose restaurant Idol Wolf and museum galleries round out the art experience.

For context, Saint Louis Dance Theatre is a St. Louis contemporary repertory company that stages professional performances and runs open classes for adult dancers at every level. Co-chairs Shereen Fischer and Amy Granat are leading the steering and host committees this year.

It runs from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM at the Touhill, One University Dr., St. Louis, Missouri 63121. Tickets start at $250 for general admission, which includes dinner and the performance. A VIP ticket is $500 and adds a VIP reception. If you're bringing a group, there's a Changemaker Table for $2,500 that seats eight with premium seating, and a Groundbreaker Table from $5,000 that seats eight and includes VIP swag and a mention from the stage.