Lord of the Dance

Sarah Jessica Parker, Scott Whitman, and Valentino Garavani   more photos ›

The city emptied out early on Tuesday night for the Thanksgiving holiday, but Lincoln Center's newly renamed David H. Koch Theater was filled to the rafters with ballet lovers. "I've been crazy for it my whole life!" said Valentino Garavani at the tip-off to the New York City Ballet's Winter 2008-2009 season. "And when Peter Martins does it in New York, I know it's going to be sensational." Joining him for a one-time-only performance—which began with a somber set reflecting the current economic climate and ended on a jazzy upbeat note with the music of Wynton Marsalis and Ray Charles—were Alicia Keys, Candace Bushnell, Rachel Roy, and Peter Som. "I would sit and watch rehearsals if I could!" enthused Sarah Jessica Parker, who danced with the American Ballet Theatre in her early days. "This is the best escape I can think of," added Blythe Danner. Speaking of getting away, Derek Lam told us, "I'm leaving for Turks and Caicos tomorrow." So, will there be turkey, sweet potatoes, the works? "No. We're thinking alcohol, the beach, and sleeping. A lot."