Since moving to New York four years ago, I’ve been fortunate enough to collect a handful of experiences that feel straight out of a movie. They’re the moments you dream about long before you ever call this city home—the ones that capture the essence of what makes New York unlike anywhere else in the world.

For me, those snapshots include walking through Central Park as snow falls silently over the trees, strolling across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset with the skyline glowing behind me, sipping a martini at The Carlyle Bar, and having an almost-private tour of The Met on a quiet afternoon. Each of these moments feels iconic, timeless, and uniquely New York.

And then, of course, there is the New York City Ballet.

The Magic of the Winter Ball

This season, I had the immense honor of attending the New York City Ballet’s Winter Ball at Lincoln Center—an evening that was every bit as dazzling as I’d imagined. More than just a glamorous event, the Winter Ball celebrates a cause that has real meaning: supporting the School of American Ballet’s formal Diversity Initiative.

Launched in 2012, this initiative is dedicated to expanding opportunities for dancers of color, ensuring they not only enter the world of ballet but thrive on professional stages across the globe. Ballet has always been synonymous with discipline, beauty, and tradition, but this program is helping to reimagine its future—to make it more inclusive, more vibrant, and ultimately more representative of the world we live in.

An Evening of Talent and Heart

The highlight of the night came when the curtain rose for the pièce d’occasion, choreographed especially for the Winter Ball by an SAB alum. Performed by the incredibly gifted students of the School of American Ballet, the piece was nothing short of breathtaking. To see such young dancers command the stage with elegance, emotion, and precision moved me to tears. The entire room seemed to hold its breath, spellbound by the sheer talent unfolding before us.

It wasn’t just a performance—it was a glimpse into the future of ballet. These students, many of whom have benefitted from the school’s need-based scholarship program, carry the art form forward with such grace. The fact that over 40% of the student body receives scholarship support is a testament to how impactful this fundraising truly is. That evening alone, more than $1 million was raised for the program, a staggering figure that will open doors for countless aspiring dancers.

Dinner, Dancing, and Pure Celebration

After the performance, the magic continued as the evening flowed into dinner and celebration. Guests gathered over beautifully set tables, enjoying conversation, clinking glasses, and savoring the joy of being part of something so meaningful.

And then—perhaps my favorite transformation of the night—the stage itself became a dance floor. Imagine it: the same stage where ballet’s most celebrated works come to life, suddenly alive with guests spinning, laughing, and dancing the night away under the glow of the chandeliers. There was something incredibly poetic about it, as if we were all, for a brief moment, part of the performance.

The energy was electric—elegant yet playful, sophisticated yet filled with genuine joy. It’s not every day you dance on one of the most iconic stages in the world, and it’s an experience I’ll never forget.

Why Nights Like This Matter

Beyond the glamour, beyond the gowns and champagne, what stood out most to me was the heart of the evening. The Winter Ball wasn’t just a fundraiser—it was a celebration of possibility. By supporting the School of American Ballet, we’re investing in young talent, breaking down barriers, and ensuring that the beauty of ballet remains accessible and inclusive for generations to come.

Art has a unique way of bringing people together, of reminding us what we share even when our lives are so different. Watching the dancers on stage, and then celebrating their artistry with supporters offstage, was a powerful reminder that creativity and community go hand in hand.

An Iconic New York Moment

For me, the night at the Winter Ball joins the growing list of New York experiences that feel larger than life—those memories that crystallize the magic of living in this city. Just as much as a snowy walk in Central Park or a golden hour stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge, this evening will forever hold a special place in my heart.

I’m endlessly grateful to Battalion for inviting us to their table and giving me the opportunity to be part of something so extraordinary. It was not only an iconic night in New York but also a deeply moving celebration of what the arts can achieve when community, generosity, and vision come together.

And yes, it was every bit as glamorous as you’d imagine.