Opening of NYC Ballet

The city emptied out early on Tuesday night for the Thanksgiving holiday, but Lincoln Center’s newly renamed David H. Koch Theater was filled to the rafters with ballet lovers. “I’ve been crazy for it my whole life!” said Valentino Garavani at the tip-off to the New York City Ballet’s Winter 2008-2009 season. “And when Peter Martins does it in New York, I know it’s going to be sensational.” Joining him for a one-time-only performance—which began with a somber set reflecting the current economic climate and ended on a jazzy upbeat note with the music of Wynton Marsalis and Ray Charles—were Alicia Keys, Candace Bushnell, Rachel Roy, and Peter Som “I would sit and watch rehearsals if I could!” enthused SArah Jessica Parker, who danced with the American Ballet Theatre in her early days. “This is the best escape I can think of,” added Blythe Danner. Speaking of getting away, Derek Lam told us, “I’m leaving for Turks and Caicos tomorrow.” So, will there be turkey, sweet potatoes, the works? “No. We’re thinking alcohol, the beach, and sleeping. A lot.” — Katie Hintz

New York City Ballet’s annual Opening Night Benefit featured an evening of ballets set to American music by such composers as Leonard Bernstein, Samuel Barber, Charles Ives, Wynton Marsalis, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, and Ray Charles. The theater is being named in honor of Mr. Koch who recently made a $100 million gift to support the capital campaign for the theater, previously known as the New York State Theater, which is home to both New York City Ballet and New York City Opera. The theater, which opened its doors in 1964, is currently undergoing a major renovation, with the initial phase due for completion in the fall of 2009.

Photos Compliments of : Style.Com