Prima Ballerina Tiler Peck Takes Us Behind The Scenes Of The NYC Ballet Spring Gala

After a year of dancing at home, the New York City Ballet finally made its way back to Lincoln Center for a special performance in honor of the NYCB's 2021 Spring Gala. The company's first-ever virtual gala event spotlighted the special show in a film directed by Sofia Coppola, with support from Chanel, which captures the company's triumphant return to the stage. 

Prima ballerina and principal dancer with the NYC Ballet Tiler Peck took us behind the scenes of the major moment and shared her excitement about performing once again. 

Read on for her thoughts and click through for her personal backstage snaps!

How does it feel to return to the stage? 
Returning to performing onstage was actually quite overwhelming! The first time I walked back on to the stage I felt, at once, like a stranger and someone returning back home. It was the first time I realized just how much I missed human connection. Dancing next to my colleagues felt like a true gift and will continue to.

What does dance mean to you? 
Dance feels like breathing to me. Movement has always been the way I have expressed myself, and it is what keeps me feeling completely fulfilled and connected to my soul.

How has dance helped you get through the pandemic? 
Dance has been my lifeline through the pandemic. It has kept me moving, motivated, and sane! Dance connected me to so many individuals through my #turnitoutwithtiler classes. I started the class so we could all have some interaction and purpose in getting up each day, and dancing with new and familiar faces provided connection, hope, perspective and so much more for me.

[Photos courtesy Tiler Peck]