Seems like only yesterday that the Kaatsbaan International Dance Center was the new kid on the mid-Hudson cultural scene. But the former farmstead in Tivoli has since become an anchor institution with a world-class reputation, and is now celebrating its 25th anniversary!
Fittingly, Kaatsbaan’s annual Gala, coming on Saturday, November 14, will boast a stellar lineup of performers. Actress Mary Stuart Masterson and American Ballet Theatre (ABT) director Kevin McKenzie will serve as hosts, and ABT dancers will supply much of the evening’s entertainment: Stella Abrera and Sterling Baca will perform the “White Swan Pas de Deux” and Gillian Murphy (above) and Thomas Forster the “Black Swan Pas de Deux,” both from Tchaikovsky’s classic Swan Lake. In addition, the ABT Studio Company will present the world premiere of a new dance piece choreographed by George Williamson.
Other big-name entities from the world of dance will be represented as well: Teresa Reichlen and Ask La Cour of the New York City Ballet will perform Balanchine’s Agon. And the Martha Graham Dance Company’s Miki Orihara will perform Graham’s 1932 solo Satyric Festival Song.
The festivities begin with a 4 p.m. reception, followed by the all-star Gala performance showcase at 5:30. An elegant dinner will be served at 7 p.m., with dancing of the ballroom sort and a silent auction to follow. The dress code for the evening is “swanky and elegant festive attire.”
Ticket prices are swanky to match, at $200 per person; $290 if you need chartered bus transportation from New York City. They’re on sale now at (845) 757-5106, extension 2, or dial extension 10 for additional info.
Join the family! 
