Story & Photos by Lieba Nesis
The School of American Ballet (SAB) had its 2016 Winter Ball on March 14th with a 7PM cocktail hour. For the ninth consecutive year the sponsor of the event was Van Cleef and Arpels-the legendary jewelry designer. This evening included more than 500 patrons amongst whom were: Julia Koch, Liz and Jeff Peek, Amanda Brotman, Fe Fendi, and Noreen Ahmad. A highlight of the night includes a one-time-only performance by the students of SAB choreographed by Peter Walker, who was chosen by Peter Martins for the second consecutive year. The attire was black tie and the guests came dressed to impress with Liz Peek in a Fabiola Arias gown, Julia Koch in a Chanel stunner, and Fe Fendi in vintage Alice Temperley. There were models standing on elevated platforms adorned with Van Cleef jewels who surveyed the elegant guests arriving in the inclement weather. The dinner was held on the second floor with 15 foot tall gold and silver mobiles suspended in the ceiling evoking the aurora borealis. The proceeds from the dinner help provide $2 million annually in student scholarships. Some of those students began to arrive, exuberantly waiting to entertain the excited guests. As I exited the event I bumped into Bill Cunningham who drove in the rain on his bicycle practically oblivious to his birthday which occurred yesterday, hurriedly cycling to his next gala.