Ballet Hispánico’s 56th Anniversary Gala Honored Donald B. Verrilli, Jr. & Annabelle Lopez Ochoa

Ballet Hispánico’s 56th Anniversary Gala on Thursday, April 23, at New York City Center and The Plaza raised more than $1,465,000 in support of the organization’s artistic, educational, and community outreach programs. This included $265,000 dedicated to transformative Ballet Hispánico School scholarships.

Ballet Hispánico honored the 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 an awards presentation during a seated dinner at The Plaza.

An evening of dance, glamour, and culture in support of Ballet Hispánico’s Company, The Ballet Hispánico School, and Community Arts Partnerships programming included an opening night performance of “MUJERES: Women in Motion” featuring work by three Latina choreographers: Cassi Abranches, Stephanie Martinez, and Gala Honoree Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. 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 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.