ANNUAL VENETIAN BALL AND PARTY AT THE EMBASSY OF ITALY - The Majesty of Rome; - The Glory of Florence; and especially - The Beauty that is Venice Tonight, travel thousands of miles away and hundreds of years in the past without ever leaving Washington, DC. In a rare event available only through TTD, step on to Italian soil for a very special and elegant evening at the Embassy of Italy. As you enter this incredible and beautiful Embassy, be transported to perhaps one of the most admired countries in Europe. Experience an Italian evening filled with Italian food, open bar, dancing, opera, film, and more! This year, you are invited to our third annual ever VENETIAN Ball at the Embassy. This classic celebration has been one of the hottest tickets to attend in Italy for centuries. Tonight, we invite you to come masquerade style (optional) and dance as they did on the most elegant of dance floors and ballrooms boarding Piazza San Marco, the Piazzetta, the Ducal Palace, or in the Bacino. Then, for the second half of the evening – from Ballroom to Blow Out Bash – we jump ahead to the 21st Century to a nightclub setting straight out of the hottest venues in Rome! PROGRAM: 1) ITALIAN OPEN BAR: Toast to Venice and Italy all night long with an exciting Italian wines, beers and other (non alcoholic beverages). 2) ITALIAN DESSERTS: Experience a buffet of true and exquisite Italian desserts. (An optional VIP reception is also available via this website which includes a private reception with exquisite buffet dinner of Italian delicacies). DESERT MENU A Tuscan Village House Dessert Display Tiramisu Canolis Pizzelle, Biscotti, Snowball, Apricot Occhio di Bue, Amarelli Cookies Fresh Seasonal Fruit with Mascarpone Cream Coconut Macaroon dipped in Chocolate Florentines 3) DANCING TO A SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (8 pm to 10 pm): A large European orchestra with members from some of Washington’s leading ensembles will fill the room with Italy’s and Europe's greatest classical ballroom treasures as you dance the night away in this unique, authentic setting. 4) VENETIAN BALLROOM DANCE PRESENTATION: A local Ballroom masterful instructor/couple will perform a special dance show highlighting the ballroom classics as danced for centuries in the balls at Piazza San Marco . 5) OPERA PRESENTATION: The first opera was performed in 1600 at the wedding of Maria de Medici and Henry IV of France at the Palazzo Pitti in Florence. Since then, Italy has created much of the world’s greatest opera. From Monteverdi’s creations at the Teatro San Cassiano, to Rossini’s comic operas such as The Barber of Seville, to the new and rising opera pièces of the 21st Century, the standard for all opera originates in, and permeates, the Italian soul. Tonight we present you with a unique sampling of timeless classics from the leading Opera houses of Italy. Two opera singers will be on hand for a live exclusive performance (from the Baroque, through the romantic period and to today). 6) CONCERT: As you take a break from dancing, our orchestra will present a sampling of some of Italy’s all time greatest composers in a short concerto in the Classical and Romantic European style. Some featured composers we can expect to hear are Rossini, Verdi, Puccini and others. 7) MOVIE: To quench your appetite for Italian travel and cultural interests, partake in an optional viewing of the scenery, culture and people of Italy on a large viewing screen in the Embassy's auditorium. The first half of the evening will feature Italian tourism videos, highlighting different regions and travel options in Italy. The second half will feature a movie in which a wonderful story takes place surrounded by the majesty of Rome. 8) VENETIAN CASINO: The Casinò di Venezia is one of Italy’s most prized casinos. Tonight, in mock gambling, try your luck at various casino games. 9) MASQUERADE CONTEST: Note, while we will be in official Ball attire, for those who choose, we ask you to now wear your Venetian “mask” in a unique contest. Tonight, we will pick two winners (one male and one female). Winners will receive prizes. 10) LATE DJ & DANCING: In the last half of the evening, one of Washington, D.C.'s greatest D.J.s brings us the best in retro, swing and top 40 dancing - Italian style! 11) WIN A TRIP THE CARIBBEAN: Participate in a drawing in which one lucky winner will win a Trip to the Caribbean (Air and Hotel). Note: This is primarily a stand up, buffet style reception with limited seating throughout the evening. We will have limited tables and chairs, but will not be able to accommodate seating for all attendees at one time. If you have any special needs, please email events@thingstodoDC.com in advance. Suggested Attire: Black Tie Preferred Masquerade encouraged but not required. Directions: Embassy of Italy 3000 Whitehaven Street, NW Washington, DC (Closest Metro is DuPont Circle. If you take the metro, however, the embassy is about 15 minutes walking distance. Therefore from the metro you would probably want to take a taxi cab.) Cost: $109.00 Subject to Increase at any time		Friday May 4, 2012 8:30pm-12:00am Embassy of Italy $109