A Marvelous Benefit Gala En Pointe

Elevated by a weekend of generosity, the 31st Anniversary Gala for State Street Ballet threw a spotlight on the longstanding mission: raising funds to nurture and launch the next generation of terpsichoreans. The evening’s opening pas de deux, “Flames of Paris,” showcased the rarely seen classic white tutu, its tule delicately adrift through the serial fouettes. Kaia Abraham paid her own dedicated homage to the art of ballet in “Aquarium” from The Carnival of the Animals – her flawless technique, seemingly effortless extensions, and radiant stage presence suggesting a bright future in the ballet world.

Under the steadfast guidance of Executive Director Cecily MacDougall and the visionary artistry of Megan Philip, this company does more than perform; it opens doors. Their remarkable mission to make ballet accessible to all has, to date, nurtured over 10,000 inspired young artists. What an honor to have such an institution in our midst.

The assembly, draped in Belle Époque Parisian chic with plumes and sparkles aplenty, celebrated both this legacy and the thrilling 2025/2026 season ahead, featuring upcoming performance of Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker, RECESS!, and Chaplin. A more elegant or deserving cause is difficult to imagine. Ballerinas can spend over $100 per pair of pointe shoes alone – bespoke footwear that typically exhausts itself over the course of a few arduous performances. So here’s to the upcoming season, and to the talented, deserving young artists on the fast track to launching the collective Grand Jeté of a career in the arts.

Jenna Jobst Reichental, Co-Founder, Co-CEO of Jenavi Vineyards