Van Cleef & Arpels Brings Ballet Performances Across New York City

The French jewelry house's annual Dance Reflections festival returns with a month-long program of dance, film, and more.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Van Cleef & Arpels, the renowned French jewelry house, is hosting its annual Dance Reflections festival in New York City this February and March. The multi-media series includes dance performances, film screenings, artist talks, and workshops at venues across the city, celebrating the brand's longstanding artistic exchange with the world of ballet.

Why it matters

The Dance Reflections festival highlights Van Cleef & Arpels' deep connection to the ballet world, dating back to the 1940s when the company created its first ballerina brooches. The series provides New Yorkers and visitors with access to a diverse range of dance performances and related programming, strengthening the city's reputation as a global cultural hub.

The details

This year's New York program features 20 performances at nine venues, including the Park Avenue Armory and the Joyce Theater. Highlights include works by renowned choreographers like Benjamin Millepied, a former New York City Ballet principal dancer who will present a triptych of contemporary ballets. Other performers include the Lyon Opera Ballet, Trisha Brown Dance Company, and Lucinda Childs.

  • The Dance Reflections festival runs from February 19 through March 21, 2026.
  • The festival was first launched in New York in 2020 and has since expanded to other global cities like Hong Kong, London, L.A., Seoul, and Tokyo.

The players

Van Cleef & Arpels

A French jewelry house that was co-founded by the Arpels brothers in the early 20th century. The company has a longstanding artistic exchange with the ballet world, dating back to the 1940s when it created its first ballerina brooches.

Benjamin Millepied

A former principal dancer at the New York City Ballet who has also choreographed and starred in films like Black Swan. He will present a triptych of contemporary ballets as part of the Dance Reflections festival.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The Dance Reflections festival by Van Cleef & Arpels demonstrates the enduring connection between the worlds of high jewelry and high art, bringing a diverse array of ballet performances and related programming to New York City for the enjoyment of both dance enthusiasts and the broader public.