Media Release
MAD HOT BALLET: Reverie Gala Repertoire
Featuring Gush by Alyssa Martin Following London Premiere and More
Tuesday, June 2
May 19, 2026… Hope Muir, Joan and Jerry Lozinski Artistic Director and Charlotte Geeves, Executive Director, shared today the repertoire for the company’s annual fundraising gala MAD HOT BALLET: Reverie which takes place on Tuesday, June 2 at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.
Showcasing the breadth of the company’s artistry, the evening features a diverse programme of works. Gush by Alyssa Martin will be presented for the first time in North America following its successful London premiere in April at The Royal Ballet’s International Draft Works.
The evening will also include an excerpt from Procession by Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber, an ambitious commission which resonated strongly with both critics and audiences when it made its world premiere this past November. Canadian choreographer and Ballet West Principal Dancer Katlyn Addison joins the programme with her first work for the company, Distorted Familiarity, which makes its world premiere. The work will feature costumes by Canadian designer Jordan Hyatt of RVNG Couture, recently named Womenswear Designer of the Year at the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards. Rounding out the evening will be two excerpts from Serge Lifar’s classical gem Suite en Blanc.
A highlight of Toronto’s social calendar, MAD HOT BALLET draws together dance lovers, trendsetters and culture connoisseurs for a one-night-only celebration of fashion and philanthropy.
Following the performance, guests will enjoy a reception in the lobby with delectable nibbles, cocktails and some surprises, all taking place in the stunning Four Seasons Centre. Guests who choose to host a table or participate in the VIP Experience will be welcomed onto the main stage for a private dinner.
A signature fundraising event, MAD HOT BALLET has raised over $17 million since its inception in 2007. The proceeds of the gala evening will support the National Ballet's education and community engagement activities and initiatives designed to promote movement, creative expression and collaboration.
MAD HOT BALLET: Reverie is made possible through the vision and leadership of Gala Co-Chairs Trish Del Sorbo and Amanda Riva.
Single tickets starting at $100 can be purchased online at madhotballet.ca or by calling 416 (1 866) 345 9595.
Date and Venue:
June 2, 2026, 6:30 pm
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen Street West, Toronto
Tickets:
MAD HOT BALLET Party Experience
Single Ticket: $100 – $200
MAD HOT BALLET VIP Experience
Single Ticket: $1,750
Tables of 10: $25,000 and $15,000
MAD HOT BALLET Gala Committee
Gala Co-Chairs
Trish Del Sorbo
Amanda Riva
Honourary Chairs
Suzanne Cohon
Nicholas Mellamphy
Gala Committee
Amanda Alvaro
Nichole Anderson Bergeron
Emily Burnett
Amy Burstyn-Fritz
Melissa Campisi
Dimitri Chris
Rochelle de Goias-Jackman
Rana Florida
Tatjana Freger
Charlotte Geeves
Rex Harrington
Christina Hatziioannou
Cynthia Hawtin
Kristy Luciani
Adrian Mainella
Hope Muir
Heather Ogden
Linda O'Leary
Natasha Penzo
Candice Sinclair
Alexa Tepperman
Melissa Tilley
Jennifer Watson
Cheryl Woodin
Mary-Kathleen Young
– 30 –
Lead Sponsor: CIBC
The National Ballet of Canada gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of the Canada Council for the Arts; the Ontario Arts Council; the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council; the Government of Canada – Department of Canadian Heritage with the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages; and the Government of Ontario with the Honourable Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming and Minister of Sport.
Keira Sanford. Photo by Karolina Kuras.
For more information and interview opportunities, please contact:
Touchwood PR
Andréa Grau, Founder and OwnerChelsea Cabello, Senior PublicistSydney Clarke, Publicist
NBOC@touchwoodpr.com
The National Ballet of Canada
Catherine Chang, Associate Director of Communications & Content Strategy
Sarah Johnsen, Interim Communications Manager
Media@national.ballet.ca