PHOTO GALLERY: Culture Collective Kickoff Party

Sarasota Opera House was the place to be Saturday, Oct. 19. Young, stylishly dressed Sarasotans headed to the Sarasota Culture Collective kickoff party. The intimate group of more than 80 attendees enjoyed a full bar and light bites while DJ Solo entertained.

Then, the trendy guests made their way to the seats for a preview of the season to come. Sarasota Ballet Dancer Danielle Brown performed Dominic Walsh's contemporary and sultry 'Dying Swan' in a backless dress. Then, Sarasota Opera Studio Artists Jennifer Townshend and Jon Jurgens previewed the upcoming comedic operetta 'Die Fledermaus.'

By the party's end, guests weren't ready to leave. They extended the night at Selva Grill. Eventually, all parted ways, and the new friends will meet again at the next Sarasota Culture Collective function: Sarasota Ballet's 'Balanchine & Ashton' at Sarasota Opera House, with a pre-show event starting at 6:30 p.m. To learn more about Sarasota Culture Collective, visit ThisWeekInSarasota.com.