Feb 21-: The Golden Season: Benjamin Millepied & Van Cleef Arpels’ Choreographic Takeover of NYC
- Upstairs NYC
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
From the Guggenheim’s spiral to the Armory’s vast hall, a multi-venue odyssey of light, gems, and movement.
This spring, New York City transforms into a sprawling stage for Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels. At the heart of this festival is the creative synergy between the storied French High Jeweler and visionary choreographer Benjamin Millepied. Together, they are redefining the boundaries of performance through three landmark events that are the talk of the global art circuit.
I. The Luminous Beginning: Reflections: A Triptych
Where: PAC NYC (World Trade Center)
When: February 21 – 22, 2026
The journey begins at the Perelman Performing Arts Center with a decade-long masterpiece in the making. Commissioned by VCA, this triptych—Reflections, Hearts & Arrows, and On the Other Side—marks the first time Millepied’s jewelry-inspired trilogy is performed as a single program in NYC.
The Experience: Set to the layered rhythms of Philip Glass and David Lang, and framed by the provocative visual language of Barbara Kruger, the performance translates the brilliance of precious stones into fluid, muscular grace. It is "Quiet Luxury" made flesh.
II. The Architectural Dialogue: Lucinda Childs’ Early Works
Where: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (Rotunda)
When: March 14 – 15, 2026
While Millepied’s work explores the contemporary, the festival pays homage to the roots of postmodernism in Manhattan’s most iconic architectural gem. The Guggenheim’s winding rotunda becomes the stage for Lucinda Childs, whose minimalist choreography mirrors the clean, mathematical curves of the building itself.
The Experience: Viewed from the museum's spiraling ramps, the audience witnesses a 360-degree masterclass in precision. The sight of dancers mapping out the floor under Frank Lloyd Wright’s dome is arguably the most Instagrammed—and intellectually stimulating—moment of the season.
III. The Grand Finale: Romeo & Juliet Suite
Where: Park Avenue Armory (Wade Thompson Drill Hall)
When: March 2 – 21, 2026
The crescendo of the season takes place at the Park Avenue Armory. Millepied’s L.A. Dance Project presents a site-specific "dance-drama" that breaks every rule of traditional ballet. Using handheld cameras and live video feeds, the production follows the star-crossed lovers through the shadows and secret corridors of the Armory.
The Experience: This is Romeo & Juliet for the 21st century. With rotating casts that highlight universal love through diverse gender pairings, the production is visceral, cinematic, and profoundly inclusive.
An Insider’s Tip: How to Navigate the Festival
To truly experience this "Choreographic Residency," we recommend starting with the PAC NYC triptych to understand the foundational elegance of the Millepied-VCA partnership. Follow this with the Guggenheim performance for a dose of historical perspective, and end your journey at the Armory for the high-octane, cinematic future of dance.
A Note for Our Inner Circle
Expect to spot a global crowd of CFDA designers, Guggenheim trustees, and the Parisian creative elite who have flown in specifically for this VCA-backed series. The "look" for the season? Architectural silhouettes, sleek tailoring, and—in a nod to our hosts—a single, shimmering silver accessory.
