'Yoga: Art of Transformation,' Plus a New Golden Foot & More

Debra Diamond, Alec Baldwin, Hilaria Baldwin and Dame Jillian Sackler taking the measure of a certain man. Photos by Tony Powell.

17 Oct. 2013/WASHINGTON, D.C. – JUST what the U.S. capitol – the world’s most dysfunctional city needs – some enlightenment.

And so it was with “Some Enlightened Evening.” The gala heralded the opening two days later of the eagerly awaited “Yoga: The Art of Transformation.”

The traveling exhibit, moored at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery through 26 Jan. 2014, is being called the world’s first dedicated to yoga.

“Yoga: The Art of Transformation” is an interactive, multimedia, uber-informational and comprehensive installation of more than 120 items dating from the 3rd to the 20th century. Visitors can expect ancient court paintings, icons, manuscripts, photos, books, films, tours, classes and Temple sculptures.

Pari Bradlee&Co. bring yoga to the dance floor.

Here is a must-visit destination for yoga enthusiasts and/or newbies interested in learning more about how this art has transformed body and soul and how yoginis and yogis have figured in Indian society for 2,000-plus years.

Gala chairperson Chandrika Tandon entertains the crowd with a little night music.

“Some Enlightened Evening” has a dual role, as it regards “Yoga,” in that it is also a fundraiser. Gala chairs Dame Jillian Sackler, singer Chandrika Tandon, as well as yoga power couple Hilaria and Alec Baldwin orchestrated a soiree where cuisine was prepared by a world-class chef, a yoga performance was given, as well as a mini-concert by gala chair member CT.

A LuLu Lemon performer shows how it's done during the "Some Enlightened Evening" gala.

Also during the evening, at least one scion took to the after-gala dinner dance floor to strike some poses – yoga-style.

Some enlightened evening, no?

Visit http://www.asia.si.edu/exhibitions/current/yoga.asp to learn more about “Yoga: The Art of Transformation.”

What Precisely Says Didier About the Foot in His Hand?

Prince Albert II (left) of Monaco and Didier Drogba with the Golden Foot Award. Photo from Getty Images.

STAY tuned to learn some of footballer Didier Drogba's thoughts about winning the 2013 Golden Foot Award and having an immortalized footprint in Monaco, France.

In New York City, meanwhile, the American Folk Art Museum created buzz for its upcoming (January) exhibit, "Folk Couture: Fashion and Folk Art" with the "Folk Couture Benefit Gala" hosted by Tim Gunn.

A day later on a Gotham runway were seasonal styles from DKNY, Bow & Drape and JustFab shoes in support of the first-ever fashion show for the first-ever Techweek New York City.

Some Party Before 'Some Enlightened Evening Gala'

8 Aug. 2013/EAST HAMPTON, New York – AT the lush Grey Gardens, it was the type of party that attracted Dames, Sirs, Movie Stars, Socialites, Philanthropists and sundry others who possibly believe in karma.

The occasion? A party thrown by Washington uber power couple Sally Quinn and Ben Bradlee for Dame Jillian Sackler, singer Chandrika Tandon as well as yoga enthusiasts Hilaria and Alec Baldwin.

The four are the gala chairs of the "Some Enlightened Evening Gala" on 17 Oct. What is expected to be one of the biggest nights on the Washington, D.C. social calendar is a celebration and fundraiser for a traveling yoga exhibition opening two days later. (See video above).

For three-plus months, the eagerly awaited "Yoga the Art of Transformation" will be housed at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution. The multimedia installation, which includes films, sculpture and esoterica for Bhaktas, Hathas and others, is being called the world's first exhibit dedicated to the art of yoga.

Are Hilaria and Alec Baldwin and Dame Jillian Sackler having an impromptu committee meeting. Photos by Gregory Partanio for Manhattan Society.

"Yoga the Art of Transformation" will be on view from 19 Oct. - 26 Jan. before setting off for San Francisco's Asian Art Museum (22 Feb. 2014 – 18 May 2014) and the Cleveland Museum of Art (22 June 2014 - 7 Sept. 2014).

Meanwhile at Grey Gardens, which was once famously the abode of Jackie Kennedy Onassis kin, AC disclosed to revelers, including Dan Aykroyd and philanthropist / entertainer Sir Ivan Wilzig that "yoga changed my life." Indeed!

An unidentified man listens as Ann Nitze quite possibly hears Sir Ivan Wilzig's thoughts on Asian art.

The actor is noticeably more svelte (also due to cutting back on sugar consumption. He looks and sounds happy. In part that credit goes to the lady who was his yoga instructor before she was his wife.

It can safely be said that the expectant Baldwins have asuddha or ananda (joy, bliss).

Visit http://www.asia.si.edu/events/galas or contact Mary Fox at fsgala@si.edu to learn more about the "Some Enlightened Evening Gala" and "Yoga the Art of Transformation."