New York City Ballet Spring Gala 2026: Dance, Fundraising, and Celebrity

The New York City Ballet’s 2026 Spring Gala took place on May 7 at the David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center. Titled “Set in Stone: Creation & Preservation,” the evening opened with Tiler Peck’s world-premiere “Symphonie Espagnole” and closed with Balanchine’s “Diamonds,” the final act of his 1967 ballet “Jewels.” Mick Jagger, honorary chair, appeared onstage with Jimmy Fallon.

Harper's Bazaar

The gala, a key annual fundraiser, supports NYCB’s performances, education and school residencies. This year’s theme highlighted the tension between new commissions and preserving Balanchine’s legacy, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of “Diamonds.”

Norman Reedus Appears as Gala Raises $3.2 Million at NYCB

Tiler Peck choreographed and performed “Symphonie Espagnole” with costumes by Robert Perdziola; Hilary Hahn guested with the orchestra. The “Diamonds” segment used Karinska’s historic costumes. Celebrity guests included Mick Jagger (honorary chair), Melanie Hamrick (event chair), Diane Kruger, Norman Reedus, Emmy Rossum, Ashley Graham, Fran Drescher, Michael Bloomberg and others. Christie’s provided auction jewels for the carpet.

Harper's Bazaar

Approximately 2,500 attendees contributed $3.2 million, earmarked for new choreography, repertory preservation, and expanded education programs such as family workshops and school residencies.

Harper's Bazaar

Katherine Brown, NYCB executive director, said the $3.2 million will support year-round work, family programs, school residencies and access workshops. Board member Allyson Tang called the dancers “brilliant” and “like angels on stage.”

Harper's Bazaar

Attendees described the night as “exciting and inspiring.” Emmy Rossum praised ballet as “one of the most demanding, incredible physical feats.” Diane Kruger said the experience “takes me back” to her training and that she “holds her breath” for the dancers. Hari Nef called the performance “spectacular and Herculean.”

WWD

• “We are honored to be here. It’s such a special night because this is the kick off to the 60th anniversary of Balanchine’s Diamonds.” — Mick Jagger, Honorary Chair

Norman Reedus Appears as Gala Raises $3.2 Million at NYCB

• “Ballet is something that I flirted with before I was about 10 years old and was never quite very good at it, so I became a singer and an actor. But it is I think one of the most demanding, incredible physical feats and they just make it look so incredibly effortless,” — Emmy Rossum, Actress

WWD

• “I come to the New York City Ballet every year and each time it’s so exciting and inspiring to see the dancers and the costumes and hear the music. It takes me to a dreamland,” — Diane Kruger, Actress

Norman Reedus Appears as Gala Raises $3.2 Million at NYCB

• “Our dancers are brilliant. They’re shining, and they just look like angels on stage,” — Allyson Tang, Board Member

A Starry Night at New York City Ballet 2026 Spring Gala

NYCB will celebrate the 2027 Diamond Anniversary of Balanchine’s “Jewels” and debut more Tiler Peck works. The Rolling Stones’ album “Foreign Tongues” releases July 10, 2026; Norman Reedus stars in “Pendulum” (Jan 1, 2027); Diane Kruger has new Apple TV+ and German film projects.

Harper's Bazaar