The annual School of American Ballet (SAB) Ball, an elegant affair themed "Step Into Our Shoes," recently captivated attendees at the David H. Koch Theater. This prestigious event seamlessly blended celebration, artistry, and philanthropic endeavors, highlighting the profound impact of SAB's training. Guests enjoyed a multifaceted evening that commenced with a lively cocktail reception, followed by an inspiring three-act ballet performance, culminating in a sophisticated dinner and dancing. The evening not only showcased the immense talent fostered by SAB but also reinforced the institution's vital role in the global dance community, all while raising significant funds for its future initiatives.
The evening commenced with an impressive display of talent from SAB's students, who presented George Balanchine's Valse Fantaisie. Their return later in the program for an expanded rendition of Schubert Symphony, choreographed by SAB alumna Laine Habony, served as a powerful testament to the journey and evolution of SAB training. As board co-chair Liz Armstrong eloquently stated, the theme "Step Into Our Shoes" transcended its literal meaning, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in the rich heritage and foundational principles instilled in each dancer.
A poignant segment of the performance offered a glimpse into SAB's enduring legacy. The second act featured New York City Ballet (NYCB) principals Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia performing Justin Peck's dynamic duet, Dig the Say. This piece, which debuted at NYCB's previous Spring Gala, underscored the caliber of talent emerging from rigorous ballet education. Tiler Peck's participation, dancing alongside her husband and in the presence of aspiring SAB students, beautifully illustrated the continuity of artistic excellence across generations within the ballet world.
Beyond the captivating performances, the event paid tribute to the Fendi family, whose deep ties to SAB were recognized. Fe Fendi, exuding grace in a vintage 1985 Karl Lagerfeld haute couture gown, articulated her appreciation for ballet, describing it as "food for the soul." Her daughter, Paola Fendi, a former student in SAB's Children's Division, was instrumental in forging the family's long-standing commitment. As Executive Director Carrie Henricks emphasized, ballet became a true "family affair" for the Fendis, who have consistently supported the institution, ensuring the development of future dance luminaries. Their unwavering presence and impeccable style at the event symbolized a perfect fusion of fashion and arts patronage.
Jim Brennan, SAB board co-chair, underscored the school's far-reaching influence by revealing that SAB alumni constitute 95% of the New York City Ballet and are dispersed across 80 professional companies globally. The school's mission, he clarified, extends beyond technical training to encompass holistic support for dancers, both on and off the stage. Henricks further delighted attendees by announcing that the evening had successfully raised over $1.1 million, with contributions continuing to pour in. These funds are earmarked for scholarships, various initiatives, and the establishment of a new artistic health and wellness center. Annually, more than $2 million in scholarships and financial aid are disbursed, ensuring that artistic promise, rather than financial background, remains the sole determinant for admission.
The celebratory atmosphere persisted as guests, including notable personalities such as Jill Kargman, Paul Arnhold, and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, mingled and later joined the students on the dance floor. This convivial shift symbolized the very essence of the evening: an invitation for everyone to metaphorically "step into SAB's shoes" and embrace the joy of dance. The event served as a powerful reminder of the profound impact of supporting artistic education, fostering not just dancers but well-rounded individuals prepared for the world's stage.
