A Moving Future Blossoms at Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Spring Gala

On April 11, the ballet company Dance Theatre of Harlem made midtown the place to be on the occasion of its 2025 Vision Gala. Guests turned out to fête Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation and the National Gallery, who was presented with the dance company’s Arthur Mitchell Vision Award. Following a special gala night performance from the company, guests took to the nearby Ziegfeld Ballroom for dinner—and dancing of their own. Following sets by DJ D-Nice and Kenny Burns, the evening’s mood was particularly ebullient as word spread that the fundraising goal exceeded its $1.3 million target. The funds will go toward sustaining the ballet company, founded by Arthur Mitchell— a protege of George Balanchine, and New York City Ballet’s first Black principal dancer—at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. Notables in attendance included Ava DuVernay, Misty Copeland, Law Roach, Brandon Blackwood, Mickalene Thomas, Isolde Brielmaier, Thelma Golden, and more. Photo credit: Jason Crowley/BFA