On May 8, 2025, the New York City Ballet hosted its highly anticipated Spring Gala at Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater, drawing a star-studded crowd to celebrate the arts while raising funds for the company’s repertory. This year’s gala was themed as a “Masked Ball,” which added an air of mystery and elegance to the evening, attracting 2,500 guests who donned black tie attire complemented by ornate Venetian-style masks adorned with feathers, crystals, and metal filigree.
Among the notable attendees were co-chairs Claire Danes, Hugh Dancy, Ariana DeBose, Nina Dobrev, and Diane Kruger, all of whom contributed to the evening's glamour and excitement. Danes dazzled in a custom GapStudio by Zac Posen, while DeBose wore a layered dress by Bibhu Mohapatra. Dobrev opted for a voluminous pink gown by Nardos, and Kruger was the only co-chair to wear a mask, completing her look with a striking outfit designed by Jason Wu.
The centerpiece of the gala was a one-night-only performance of "Vienna Waltzes," a five-part ballet created by George Balanchine in 1977, which had not been staged in its entirety since 2013. This grand production showcases the evolution of the waltz, beginning in a sylvan Austrian forest and transitioning through scenes that depict the dance's transformation from rural origins to imperial elegance. The performance featured nearly 60 dancers moving in a dreamlike motion, accompanied by the music of renowned composers Johann Strauss II, Franz Lehár, and Richard Strauss.
Before the curtain rose, Maestro Andrew Litton, the music director of the NYC Ballet, engaged the audience with a brief history of the waltz, enhancing their appreciation for the evening’s score. “My fondest memories as a child were images of ballet,” DeBose expressed on the red carpet, highlighting the art form's impact on her life. “It taught me that beauty and passion can manifest into physical form... The ballet is the empathetic and passionate heart of movement.”
Attendees were treated to a visually stunning experience, as the theater was transformed into a lush spring garden post-performance. The promenade featured 90 bales of cherry branches in full bloom, 900 peonies, and 700 French lilacs, creating an enchanting atmosphere filled with color and fragrance. Guests enjoyed a dinner under custom-built organza flowers and chandeliers, with a menu that included a little gem salad, Atlantic salmon, and a dessert that disappeared almost as quickly as it was served.
Throughout the evening, guests mingled and shared their admiration for ballet. Dobrev remarked on the art form's intricate beauty, stating, “You can see the precision that goes into every step, but the dancers make it feel so effortless. It’s a beautiful paradox.” Claire Danes, a long-time ballet enthusiast, emphasized her love for the art, saying, “Ballet is endlessly moving and inspiring. What’s not to love?”
The gala not only celebrated the elegance of ballet but also served a vital purpose, raising an impressive $2.7 million for the New York City Ballet, a cultural institution that reaches over 300,000 people annually. This fundraising effort is crucial for the company's ongoing ability to produce exceptional performances and maintain its repertory.
As the night concluded, the sense of community and shared passion for the arts was palpable among the attendees. The successful event underscored the importance of supporting the arts and ensuring that institutions like the New York City Ballet continue to thrive and inspire future generations.
