Jenelle Manzi, a seasoned ballerina with nearly two decades at New York City Ballet, balances her performance in 'The Nutcracker' with entrepreneurship, running a nutrition startup, and managing her busy schedule through multitasking like doing makeup in cabs and taking Zoom meetings.
Justin Peck, a prominent ballet choreographer, discusses his new show "Illinoise" set to the music of Sufjan Stevens, highlighting the collaborative nature of the production. Known for his modern and youthful approach to ballet, Peck's work emphasizes community and authenticity, drawing from his personal experiences. Despite his success at New York City Ballet, Peck continues to seek diverse projects and hopes to bring "Illinoise" to the UK, showcasing his commitment to expanding his artistic community.
Tiler Peck, a principal dancer at New York City Ballet, made her choreographic debut with "Concerto for Two Pianos," a ballet that showcases her innate musicality and the resilience within grace. Set to Francis Poulenc's music, the ballet features full-bodied, expansive dancing that stays true to City Ballet's classical lineage while allowing the choreography to extend the music into a sophisticated sonic landscape. Peck's choreography reflects her own vision of ballet and pays tribute to her late father, creating a lively and captivating performance.
New York City Ballet and the union representing its musicians have reached a new three-year contract, ending months of negotiations. The deal includes a 22% increase in compensation over three years, restoring a salary cut made during the pandemic, and offering a 13% raise. The agreement also involves changes to the health care plan, providing musicians with greater independence to choose their own plan. The dispute between City Ballet and its orchestra had grown heated, with the musicians voting to authorize a strike if needed. This contract follows a similar deal reached with City Ballet's dancers last year.
Photographers at the New York City Ballet's Fall Gala yelled at "Glee" star Dianna Agron for blocking a shot of Sarah Jessica Parker. Agron and fellow actor Jeremy O. Harris were conversing with others when a photographer interrupted them, claiming they were blocking an important photo. After Agron and Harris moved out of the way, the photographers continued to mock Agron, saying they didn't know who she was. Viewers criticized the photographers' rude behavior, emphasizing that it was not the way to treat people. Agron, known for her role in "Glee," has since starred in various movies.
Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, and other celebrities attended the New York City Ballet's 2023 Fall Gala, celebrating the ballet company's 75th anniversary. Parker wore an off-the-shoulder black gown from Carolina Herrera's Fall/Winter 2023 collection, while Naomi Watts opted for a black dress from Carolina Herrera's Spring 2024 collection. The gala featured performances of Jerome Robbins' "Glass Pieces" and George Balanchine's "Who Cares?" with costumes designed by Wes Gordon, the creative director of Carolina Herrera. Other notable attendees included Ariana DeBose, Jordan Roth, Dianna Agron, Norman Reedus, Diane Kruger, Karen Pittman, Molly Ringwald, Christy Turlington, and Vanessa Williams.
The New York City Ballet's fall gala featured reimagined costumes for Balanchine's "Who Cares?" by Wes Gordon, but the outfits were criticized for being unflattering and garish. The addition of singers during the performance also distracted from the ballet's musicality. However, the evening ended on a high note with Jerome Robbins's "Glass Pieces." The fall season has showcased Balanchine's choreography, including the revival of "Bourrée Fantasque," which received praise for its humor and intricate footwork. The season also featured performances of Balanchine's "Jewels" with standout debuts by Emma Von Enck, Jovani Furlan, and Christina Clark.
Sarah Jessica Parker and husband Matthew Broderick made a rare red-carpet appearance together at the New York City Ballet's 2023 Fall Gala. Parker, who served as one of the gala chairs, wore a sophisticated black dress with a matching hair bow, while Broderick coordinated in a classic black tuxedo. The couple showcased their fashion sense and supported the ballet event, with Parker also hosting a separate event at Bergdorf Goodman earlier in the week.
Diane Kruger and Norman Reedus surprised fans with a fashionable date night at the New York City Ballet's Fall Fashion Gala, where Kruger wore a custom white Givenchy gown with a sheer bodice embossed with diamonds and pearls. The notoriously private couple walked hand-in-hand on the red carpet, showcasing their stylish looks. Kruger emphasized the importance of privacy for their family, expressing her desire for their daughter to have a normal life away from the paparazzi.
Sarah Jessica Parker embraces the ribbon trend at the New York City Ballet's Fall Gala, sporting a goth ballerina style with a dark Wes Gordon design, mismatched SJP Collection shoes, Fred Leighton jewelry, and an oversized black bow. Her look is completed with short black nails, combining the manicure trend with the hair trend of using ribbons.
New York City Ballet celebrated its 75th anniversary with a gathering of over 300 current and former dancers, including stars like Suzanne Farrell and Edward Villella, alongside dancers born long after the death of the company's founder, George Balanchine. The event marked a milestone for the company, which has faced challenges including a leadership scandal and the impact of the pandemic. Under new leadership, City Ballet is committed to diversifying its ranks and engaging younger audiences while honoring Balanchine's legacy.