School of American Ballet (SAB) hosted its 90th Anniversary Ball at the David H. Koch Theater, celebrating nine decades of immeasurable impact on the world of dance and raising almost $1.4 million to benefit elements essential in the development of the organization’s young artists – including scholarships, wellness programs, infrastructure, and world-class teachers. The evening was generously supported by CHANEL with wines graciously provided by Epoch Estate Wines.
For the first time ever on the stage of the David H. Koch Theater, over 1400 guests experienced the full arc of the School of American Ballet’s training excellence from Children’s Division to Advanced students. Patrons were treated to students performing an excerpt of In Creases by New York City Ballet resident choreographer and Tony Award winning SAB Alumnus Justin Peck. For a grand finale, guests delighted in a special guest performance of an iconic George Balanchine pas de deux by alumni and New York City Ballet principal dancers Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia. Following the first-of-its-kind performance on the stage, 500 guests continued the celebration with a seated three course dinner in the Promenade of the David H. Koch Theater.
The evening was dedicated to SAB’s pioneering founders, George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, celebrated the worldwide impact of its prestigious alumni, toasted the bright futures of the next generation of dancers and recognized two honorees – alumna and Board Member, Coco Kopelman and Brown Foundation Senior Faculty Chair, Suki Schorer who have both influenced thousands of students.
The 90th Anniversary Ball was supported by Anniversary Chairs Kellie Johnson Abreu, Liz Amstrong, Zita J. Ezpeleta, Jill Kargman, Alyssa Cohen Tablada, Olivia C. Wassenaar, Dinner Chairs Paola Saracino Fendi, Stephanie Sharp and Vice Chairs Amanda Brotman, Jessie Ding, Josh Greene and Morgan P. Richardson.
A staple amongst the social and philanthropic set, this year’s Ball attracted a number of New York’s finest, including author and daughter of honoree Coco Kopelman, Jill Kargman along with actor Evan Mock. Additional notable attendees included SAB and NYCB Artistic Director Jonathan Stafford, SAB Executive Director Carrie W. Hinrichs, New York City Ballet Principal Dancers Unity Phelan, Tiler Peck, Tyler Angle, Chun Wai Chan, Roman Mejia and Glamour Editor-in-Chief Samantha Barry, actress Sophie Sumner, Fe Fendi, and Vice Chairman of the Board of CHANEL, Arie Kopelman. Exemplifying the wide impact of SAB, notably in attendance were 13 SAB alum who currently hold Artistic Director roles across prestigious dance companies around the country. Their posts include but are not limited to: New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Los Angeles Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Carolina Ballet, Indianapolis Ballet and St. Louis Ballet.
Image Credit: Craig Barritt/Getty
