The School of American Ballet Announces 2013 WINTER BALL, 3/11

The School of American Ballet announces the 2013 Winter Ball: A Night in the Far East at Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater on Monday, March 11, 2013, sponsored by legendary French Maison Van Cleef & Arpels. Cocktails begin at 7pm and dinner will commence at 8pm, followed by The Encore dessert and dancing at 9pm. Attire is black tie. To purchase tickets, a table, or for more information, please contact Natalie Schweizer at nschweizer@sab.org or (212) 769-6610.

This glamorous annual dinner dance is attended by 500 patrons, including the School's board members and alumni as well as leaders from the New York corporate and social communities.

A highlight of the evening includes a one-time-only performance by the advanced students of The School of American Ballet choreographed by Silas Farley, who was selected this year by Peter Martins, Artistic Chairman of The School of American Ballet.

"Having observed Silas' contribution to two fall SAB choreographic workshops, he struck me as impressive," said MR. Martins. "And of course, his commitment and enthusiasm for the School is well known."

The décor of the 2013 Winter Ball will evoke the colors and ornaments of the Baron Alexis de Redé's 1969 Le Bal Oriental, held at the Hotel Lambert in Paris. On March 11, 2013, SAB will transform the promenade with splendid décor, music and a singular performance; Van Cleef & Arpels will further evoke the ambiance of the Far East with a vivid tableaux vivant featuring pieces from the Van Cleef & Arpels collection.

For the sixth consecutive year, Van Cleef & Arpels is the lead corporate sponsor of the gala, with Corporate Chair Nicolas Luchsinger. This momentous occasion salutes the storied friendship between SAB's founder George Balanchine and Van Cleef & Arpels founder Claude Arpels.

The Encore is the Winter Ball after-party. Following dinner, 200 of the city's most sophisticated philanthropic young professionals join the Winter Ball for dancing and dessert. Dinner tickets
include admission to The Encore and after-party-only tickets are also available.

The event is headed by Honorary Chairs Coco Kopelman, Elizabeth R. Miller, Liz Peek, and Betsy Pitts; Event Chairs Diana DiMenna, Julia Koch, Jenny Paulson, and Laura Zeckendorf; and Young Patron Chairs Amanda Brotman, Brie Bythewood, Ann-Marie MacFarlane, and William Yang. Proceeds from the Winter Ball enable SAB to award scholarships, maintain world-class studios and residence halls, and offer vital student programs beyond the ballet studio.