spring has sprung
A poignant pillar of the season’s social and cultural affairs, the American Ballet Theatre will debut its New York performance of Whipped Cream at the Metropolitan Opera House for the annual Spring Gala. As a lead partner of American Ballet Theatre, Swarovski contributed nearly 80,000 resplendent crystals to the prestigious production and will also add signature brilliance to the proceeding Gala.
Enchanting and visually stunning, Whipped Cream was developed by a team of creative visionaries including choreographer Alexei Ratmansky, American Ballet Theatre’s Artist-in-Residence, the late illustrious composer Richard Strauss, and costume and set designer Mark Ryden, the patron of pop surrealism. Centered on a child who overindulges at a Viennese pastry shop, the boy’s sugar-induced delirium, culminating in a grand rescue by Princess Praline and her court of merry confections, sets the stage for a magical adventure suited to Ryden’s dream-like aesthetic.
Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, commented: “As supporting excellence in the creative arts is of great importance to us, Swarovski is delighted to partner with American Ballet Theatre on its Spring Gala and to collaborate with Mark Ryden on this wildly imaginative production. Mark’s creative integration of Swarovski crystals illuminates the action and helps bring the set and costume designs to life.” Dancers’ ensembles, crafted to resemble flora and sweet treats, incorporate 65,000 Swarovski crystals in a bevy of dazzling hues. The set, featuring custom chandeliers and backdrop props including a horse, cakes, and cupcakes, are decorated with 15,000 fancy stones and beads from Swarovski.
Following the performance, The Promenade of the David H. Koch Theater will accommodate a Gala dinner and dancing with an exclusive table hosted by Swarovski where crystal strands will light the night. The luminous decor will be provided by Décor by Tansey Design Associates in a collaboration between the ballet’s costume designer, Mark Ryden, and Swarovski. The evening’s impressive and influential attendees set to appear include NYC’s cultural, social, and philanthropic elite as well as celebrities from fashion, film, TV, and theater.
Members of the American Ballet Theatre cabinet name Caroline Kennedy as the Honorary Chair of American Ballet Theatre Spring Gala, with Chairs Emily and Len Blavatnik, Lisa and Dick Cashin, Pamela Ford, Elizabeth Segerstrom, Toni and Martin Sosnoff, Sutton Stracke and Nadja Swarovski. Co-Chairs include Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Kate Bosworth, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Sofia Coppola, Amy Astley, Giovanna Battaglia, Anh Duong, Calvin Klein, Allison Sarofim, Sarah Arison, Elettra Wiedemann and Beth Chartoff Spector, with Junior Committee Chairs Toby Anne Milstein, Jaime Rosenstein, and Prince A. and Petar Sanders.
Significant accolades of the night will honor Hamilton E. James, President, Blackstone and Chairman Emeritus of American Ballet Theatre, with an inaugural award from American Ballet Theatre that recognizes great Americans for their civic leadership and philanthropy in the arts. Additionally, bespoke Swarovski crystal trophies will be awarded to honoree Tony James and Student Kennedy Falyn Cassada, who will receive the 2017 Northern Trust Award.
The 2017 Spring Gala will take place at The Metropolitan Opera House on May 22 with proceeds from the event supporting American Ballet Theatre and its educational community engagement programs.
