Host and ABT icon Misty Copeland leads a breathtaking program at the David H. Koch Theater featuring international superstars Christine Shevchenko, Calvin Royal III, Polina Semionova, Roman Mejia, Reece Clarke, and the New York debuts of La Scala’s Nicoletta Manni and Timofej Andrijashenko. Highlights include a high-voltage Le Corsaire pas de trois and the New York premiere of honoree Melanie Hamrick’s She’s a Rainbow, set to the music of The Rolling Stones. The performance culminates in an electrifying Pièce d’Occasion featuring 100 of the world’s most promising young finalists sharing the stage with these legends.

Led by Creative Chair Marcella Guarino Hymowitz, the Gala honors the vision of Rebecca Hessel Cohen and Melanie Hamrick. Guests can bid on custom designer footwear in the “Pointe Project” auction—featuring labels like LoveShackFancy and Alice + Olivia—with all proceeds supporting YAGP’s mission as the world’s largest ballet scholarship network. Having awarded over $5 million to date, YAGP continues to bridge the gap between elite philanthropy and the next generation of professional dance talent.