The David Koch Theatre welcomed a stylish crowd to the New York City Ballet’s Fall Gala, celebrating its 75th year. A fashionable affair, the event featured head-turning outfits, including Diane Kruger’s stunning Givenchy dress and Naomi Watts in a Carolina Herrera creation. The gala, where fashion meets dance, lived up to its stylish reputation.
Dance Icons George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins
The evening’s program paid tribute to co-founding choreographers George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. Dazzling performances included excerpts from Robbins’ “Glass Pieces,” inspired by the lively movements of New York pedestrians. Balanchine’s “Who Cares?” was brought to life with guest vocalists Patti LuPone, Vanessa Williams, and Joshua Henry, accompanied by creative director Wes Gordon’s new costume designs.
Dance Meets Fashion
Wes Gordon’s costume designs for “Who Cares?” merged fashion and choreography seamlessly. These costumes, inspired by Balanchine’s original vision, introduced subtle adjustments while ensuring adherence to the ballet’s essence. Unlike one-time designer collaborations, Gordon’s designs will be a permanent part of every future performance of “Who Cares?”
A Night of Celebrations and Fundraising
The evening served as a centerpiece of New York City Ballet’s 75th-anniversary celebrations. With the convergence of art, the city, and ballet, the gala raised $3.75 million to support the company’s future. Guests were treated to a full program, followed by a gala dinner, ensuring the continuation of the ballet’s magnificent legacy.
