On the evening of May 2nd, New York City Ballet’s Spring Gala took center stage at the David H. Koch Theater located in Lincoln Center Plaza. In celebration of their diamond anniversary, the gala served as a tribute to the company’s legacy and impact on the arts. With a spotlight on George Balanchine’s “Rubies” and new works choreographed by Justin Peck and Amy Hall Garner, the evening promised an unforgettable journey through the past, present, and future of ballet, drawing industry professionals from all over the city. 

As guests gathered beside the plaza’s fountain, anticipation filled the air, heightened by the presence of industry professionals and celebrities making their way down the red carpet outside the theater’s main entrance. 

Among the lineup was Gilbert Bolden III, a soloist with the New York City Ballet who graced the carpet in an ensemble of his own creation: a structured and strapless khaki-colored bodice with waist-high cutouts exposing an elongated layer of red tulle on the underside of the garment. “Red is a powerful color against the golden khaki,” he states, explaining his creative process for this year’s gala. “I think this perfectly captures my spirit and energy by exhibiting my own personal relationship with masculine and feminine energy.”

“I feel like fashion and dance have always fed off of each other. I’ve always loved fashion, but it wasn’t until I joined New York City Ballet and saw countless beautiful costumes every day that my interest really piqued.”

– Gillbert Bolden III, NYCB soloist & personal designer

As the doors opened, guests began to file to their seats and were treated to a series of captivating performances, each a testament to the talent, professionalism, and creativity flourishing within the company. The program commenced with George Balanchine’s “Rubies,” a vibrant and dynamic piece set to the electrifying composition of Igor Stravinsky. Dancers adorned in red tassel leotards captivated the audience as they performed their adaptation of Balanchine’s iconic and funk-inspired choreography.

Following “Rubies,” the audience was introduced to Justin Peck’s latest creation, “Dig The Say.” Infusing ballet with elements of hip hop and funk, Peck’s choreography pushed the boundaries of traditional dance, while Humberto Leon’s costume design featuring ripped skeletal-like leggings and layered shirts adding a contemporary edge to the overall classical performance. Dancers Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia delivered a mesmerizing pas de deux, seamlessly blending dynamic, modernized movement with traditional ballet technique.

Closing out the performance was the world premiere of Amy Hall Garner’s “Underneath, There Is Light.” Making her debut as a choreographer with the New York City Ballet, Garner’s 25-minute act took the audience on a rollercoaster of emotion, resulting in teary-eyed attendees scavenging their purses for tissues and waterproof mascara. Marc Happel’s designs, featuring a sheer, layered yellow dress worn by the female principal dancers, took the audience back into the starry days of old Hollywood, almost reminiscent of Emma Stone’s infamous dress in the film La La Land.

“I wanted to create something that had beauty and magic and excellence, and I hope I captured that. I like to give the audience something that they can take away. They come to the ballet and get all dressed up, so why not see something equally as beautiful and magical?”

– Amy Hall Garner, Choreographer for NYCB

As the night drew to a close, guests transitioned to a sumptuous dinner, where shades of pink and warm lighting created an atmosphere of elegance and intimacy. Surrounded around blossoming trees and intricately crafted statues, attendees savored a three-course meal, mingling and reflecting on the magic of the evening.