NYCB Spring Gala Celebrates Stravinsky, Raises $2.6 Million

New York City Ballet held its Spring Gala on Thursday night, to the great delight of many supporters of the city’s cultural landscape. A feeling of giddy excitement was in the air as 600 guests, dressed in their finest black tie, mingled on the David H. Koch Theater’s terrace pre-performance. A kick-off to NYCB’s ten-day Stravinsky festival, the program featured Jerome Robbins’ “Circus Polka,” George Balanchine’s “Scherzo a la Russe” and “Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto,” as well as a new ballet, “Architects of Time,” by Silas Farley. The evening raised $2.6 million.

The terrace provided a perfect spot to view George Condo’s spectacular “Constellation of Voices” on the mezzanine of the Metropolitan Opera. Lili Buffett, Jill Kargman, Zac Posen, Carol Mack, Caryn Zucker, Rosie Perez and Deborah Roberts were all on hand to admire Lincoln Center’s buzzing plaza.

“It is especially gratifying that NYCB is emerging from the Covid-induced downturn in excellent shape, artistically and financially, and that audiences are celebrating the company’s return with sold-out houses,” said Liz Peek, who chaired the evening with husband Jeff Peek and Diana Taylor. “The gala is testament to that enthusiasm; we have raised more than any of the past 7 or 8 years’ spring galas. People are excited to be back, and applauding the company for so successfully surviving the past two years.”

“I’m especially excited to see the new piece by Silas Farley, a magnificent dancer, choreographer and ballet scholar,” said television producer and long-time ballet supporter Susan Fales-Hill. “To live at a time when such a genius can fully realize his gifts gives one faith in progress and hope.”

Masks were required throughout the performance. The first two pieces featured dancers of all ages from the School of American Ballet, ranging from adorable kids to ethereal teens, all with superb technique. Farley’s “Architects of Time” did not disappoint: the sheer physical strength required to elicit such graceful movements, making them seem effortless, was admired by all.

Mayor Eric Adams, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, ex-mayor Michael Bloomberg and NYCB Board President Diana Taylor were standouts at the stellar dinner.

“New York is back!” exclaimed Taylor. “The performance was absolutely beautiful – the dancers were in fine form. Everyone looks fabulous in black tie. It’s an amazing evening.”

“I’m so excited to be here, because it’s so elegant: all the women are wearing their own dresses and their own jewelry,” said Max Mara’s Vice President of Worldwide Communication, Giorgio Guidotti, with a laugh. “At many of these events, everything goes back to the showroom when it’s over – but not here, not tonight.”

Adams gave a shout out to Bloomberg, saying “I want to be like Mike!” followed by a moving speech, lauding NYCB for its contributions to educating and developing young people through its dance programs throughout New York City.

In years past, the dancers would have been present at the dinner, and gotten everyone moving on the dance floor, but out of an abundance of caution they bowed out (after taking their bows), so guests took it upon themselves to keep the evening going. Here’s to another wonderful New York night; may there be many more.