Dance Reflections Festival Returns to New York City: A Celebration of Dance and Creativity

This February, the highly anticipated Dance Reflections festival by Van Cleef & Arpels is making its grand return to New York City. Running from February 19 to March 21, the festival promises an exciting program featuring 16 performances by some of the world’s most acclaimed choreographers, including Trisha Brown, Benjamin Millepied, and Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker. The festival began its journey in 2023, and after successful stops in Kyoto, London, and Seoul, it’s back, now with an expanded lineup that showcases the city’s vibrant dance scene.

The festival kicks off at the New York City Center with a captivating performance of Merce Cunningham’s Biped by the Lyon Opera Ballet. Following this, Christos Papadopoulos’ Mycelium will take the stage, marking the beginning of a month-long celebration of dance that will occur across various venues in the city. The festival aims to create a dynamic environment for dance lovers and artists alike, featuring performances at iconic locations such as the Perelman Performing Arts Center, where choreographer Millepied will present his works for the first time in full, including a contemporary reinterpretation of Romeo & Juliet at the Park Avenue Armory.

In addition to these remarkable performances, the festival underlines its principal commitment to education and community engagement. Throughout the festival, the New York Center for Creativity & Dance will host 20 contemporary dance workshops, catering to participants of all skill levels. The first workshop, titled Age of Content Repertory, is set for February 19, led by Alida Bergakker from the Ballet National de Marseille. Later in March, attendees can immerse themselves in the Afrofusion workshop, learning from renowned dancers of the Moving into Dance Trust, a leading South African dance company.

Van Cleef & Arpels’s connection to the world of dance runs deep. The brand’s co-founder, Louis Arpels, had a profound passion for ballet, bringing his nephew, Claude, to the famed Opera Garnier. Their affinity for dance initiated a long-standing tradition of intertwining high art with luxury, which blossomed in the 1940s when the brand introduced its first gem-embellished ballerina pins. This enduring relationship culminated in a partnership with visionary choreographer George Balanchine, igniting artistic collaborations that included his celebrated ballet Jewels.

Today, Dance Reflections stands as a testament to Van Cleef & Arpels’s commitment to both dance and education. With its strong support for artistic initiatives worldwide, including the Croisements Festival in China, the event embodies the spirit of artistic innovation and cultural exchange. The festival successfully merges luxury with creativity, appealing to both dance enthusiasts and those curious about the art form.

For a full schedule of the performances and workshops, and to register, please visit the official Dance Reflections site. This month-long feast for the senses promises to inspire and connect audiences through the exhilarating medium of dance, showcasing why New York City remains a cultural landmark for the performing arts. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience these transformative artistic endeavors!