The sixth annual BAAND Together Dance Festival, a prominent event in New York City's cultural calendar, recently concluded with an unforgettable opening night. This unique festival unites five of the city's most distinguished dance companies—Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theater, Ballet Hispánico, Dance Theater of Harlem, and New York City Ballet—on a single stage. This rare opportunity for audiences to witness such a diverse array of talent underscores the festival's commitment to fostering community and making high-caliber dance accessible. The long-standing support from Chanel has been instrumental in the festival's continued success, allowing it to flourish and engage new audiences with the captivating artistry of ballet.
The festivities commenced with an exclusive opening night celebration at Tatiana, Chef Kwame Onwuachi’s acclaimed Afro-Caribbean restaurant located within Lincoln Center. Guests, including notable figures like Isolde Brielmaier, Thelma Golden, Tyler Mitchell, Coco Baudelle, and Luke Meagher, were greeted by Chanel-attired staff. Amidst an atmosphere of sparkling Champagne Louis Roederer and elegant mingling, Shanta Thake, Lincoln Center’s chief creative officer, emphasized the festival’s profound significance. She remarked on the magical essence of these institutions collaborating to offer the city a chance to experience five extraordinary dance companies in one night, highlighting its unique contribution to New York's rich cultural tapestry.
Originating six years prior, the BAAND Together festival emerged as a beacon of artistic revival during the post-pandemic era, when dance directors cautiously guided their companies back to live performances. Fast forward to the present day, 2026, and the landscape for ballet enthusiasts appears more vibrant than ever. The art form is experiencing an unprecedented surge in mainstream popularity, evidenced by Rosalía's integration of pointework into her LUX world tour and Olivia Rodrigo's collaboration with New York City Ballet's Tiler Peck for her viral music video, 'Stupid Song.' This renewed spotlight on ballet's intricate craft and profound artistry marks a truly rewarding period for the dance community.
Adrian Danchig-Waring, a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, who performed in 'Each In Their Own Time' with Taylor Stanley throughout the festival, reflected on ballet’s contemporary relevance. He noted that the discussion around ballet's cultural standing this year was not met with debate, but rather with enthusiastic attendance. Danchig-Waring expressed gratitude to Chanel for their sustained championing of the festival since 2021, which has significantly broadened accessibility to the art form, with tickets available for as little as $5. He highlighted the festival's role in welcoming new audiences and proving that ballet's appeal is undeniable.
The sentiment of unity and shared passion resonated deeply among the participating dancers. Yannick Lebrun of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater expressed his profound appreciation for the festival, calling it a beautiful opportunity for New York dancers to converge and share their love for dance in a spirit of community. He underlined the importance of continuing such collaborations, emphasizing the joy and hope that the program instills in people. The evening's program, following the pre-performance reception, featured a series of breathtaking acts. American Ballet Theater presented the world premiere of 'Zephyr,' a romantic pas de deux choreographed by corps de ballet member Claire Davison, focusing on human connection and playful interaction. Dance Theater of Harlem followed with Jodie Gates’s 'Passage of Being,' an ensemble piece radiating urgency. New York City Ballet then performed Lar Lubovitch’s 'Each In Their Own Time,' an ethereal pas de deux, with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater exploring the tension between desire and distance in Judith Jameson’s 'A Case of You.' The grand finale, 'Trança (Braid),' choreographed by Cassi Abranches for Ballet Hispánico, captivated the audience with its percussive and hypnotic portrayal of community. As the lights dimmed and the curtain fell, Andrea Mish, a Ballet Hispánico dancer, eloquently summarized the festival’s essence, stating that it celebrates not only the unique identity of each company but also the incredible outcomes when artists unite to share their work, fostering mutual learning, growth, and artistic advancement. The electrifying energy within the theater, described by Danchig-Waring as unparalleled in his 24-year career, underscored the festival’s success in opening ballet’s doors to a wider public and reaffirming its vibrant place in contemporary culture.
The BAAND Together Dance Festival, now in its sixth year, exemplifies a powerful collaboration among New York City's leading dance companies, made possible by Chanel's consistent sponsorship. It offers a rare opportunity to experience diverse ballet performances in a single night, fostering artistic exchange and community engagement. The festival not only showcases exceptional talent but also aims to make ballet more accessible, with affordable ticket options. This annual event has become a crucial platform for celebrating dance, demonstrating its evolving role in popular culture, and inspiring both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
