Ballet Hispánico’s 56th Anniversary Gala Raised More Than $1,465,000

Ballet Hispánico honored 46th Solicitor General of the United States under President Barack Obama, Donald B. Verrilli, Jr., with the 2026 Civic Inspiración Award and Belgian-Colombian choreographer whose work has reshaped contemporary ballet on the global stage, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa with the 2026 Artistic Inspiración Award. The evening began with a red carpet and cocktail hour, followed by the opening night performance of the Company's annual season at New York City Center. The festivities, attended by more than 330 guests, continued with a presentation of the awards during a seated dinner at The Plaza.

An exhilarating evening of dance, glamour, and culture in support of Ballet Hispánico’s Company, The Ballet Hispánico School, and Community Arts Partnerships programming, the evening began with a cocktail reception at New York City Center, followed by a groundbreaking opening night performance of MUJERES: Women in Motionfeaturing work by three Latina choreographers – Cassi Abranches, Stephanie Martinez, and Gala Honoree Annabelle Lopez Ochoa – whose bold voices reframe Latino culture and reveal the complex, ever-evolving narratives of our time. The evening continued at The Plaza with tributes, dinner, dancing, performances by students of The Ballet Hispánico School, and music from the three-time GRAMMY Award winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra.

The critical funds raised at the Gala provide dance training scholarships that change the lives of young people, inspiring performances by the professional Company, and immersive dance programs in communities across the United States and worldwide.

Gala Chairs: Jody* & John Arnhold, Richard Feldman, Kate Lear* & Jonathan LaPook, David Pérez*, Joseph Wayland* & Patricia Verrilli * Board Member