The evening begins with a one-hour performance, featuring the world premiere of veer by Canadian choreographer Sabrina Matthews, a pas de deux from James Kudelka’s Desir, George Balanchine’s Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux and Rubies from Jewels and as well as excerpts from Harald Lander’s Etudes.

All guests are invited to a special post-performance celebration featuring signature MAD HOT cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Gala guests then enjoy a gourmet three-course dinner created by superstar chef Mark McEwan, host of Food TV’s The Heat, on stage at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. The dinner is followed by an evening of dancing with the artists of The National Ballet of Canada.

This year’s event, co-chaired by Sarah Macdonald and Laura Rapp, is expected to raise over $1 million for the company. -- www.national.ballet.ca