Mo’Nique, Macy’s CEO, Ray Chew for Alvin Ailey: Scene
After meeting with President Barack Obama and other chief executives yesterday in Washington, Terry Lundgren, CEO of Macy’s Inc. (M), made it to opening night gala of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at New York City Center just in time to accept an award for his company’s support.
Tina Lundgren, his wife, filled him in on what he’d missed: her star turn in the dance piece “Minus 16,” in which she and a dozen others including ABC’s Deborah Roberts had been plucked from the audience to rhumba and twirl on stage.
“Something special happens when Alvin Ailey takes the stage,” Tina Lundgen said. “Your toes start tapping, you’re mesmerized by the bodies, before you know it you’re experiencing dance -- some of us more than others.”
Comedian and Oscar-winning actress Mo’Nique spoke a few minutes later, praising those amateur dancers, in particular Marva Smalls, a Viacom executive who had some slinky moves with her Ailey partner.
“For the sister with the beautiful rhinestones, girl, I got his number! Yes indeed, his name is Charles. And he’s a Sagittarius.”
Mo’Nique, who served as the evening’s honorary chairwoman, praised the company’s founder, Alvin Ailey, “for having a drive so strong you said nothing will stop my vision.” And she reminded the audience of their good fortune.
“These babies are giving you everything, they’re giving you every piece of them,” she said before introducing “Revelations” performed to live music, including singing from Brian Stokes Mitchell, Jessye Norman and Anika Noni Rose.
Dance Band
Afterward guests headed to the ballroom of the New York Hilton, where the best dance band ever entertained until midnight (Ray Chew, the music director of “American Idol,” made sure to get their number.) The band was actually three groups brought together by Elan Artists: Djore, Rhythm Collective and New York City Urban Gospel. Among those on their feet: Goldman Sachs Group Inc. partner Valentino Carlotti and Rohatyn Group CEO Nicolas Rohatyn.
The dinner was roasted poussin with chestnut stuffing, served in a winter wonderland setting created by David Monn. Tiger Management’s Julian Robertson sat with Elaine Wynn, Kenneth Chenault of American Express Co. (AXP) sat with designer B Michael.
The event raised $2.4 million, Alvin Ailey’s chairman, Joan Weill, said, before teasing her husband of 57 years, Sandy Weill.
“As of tonight, he’s changing his name,” she said.
(Amanda Gordon is a writer and photographer for Muse, the arts and leisure section of Bloomberg News. Any opinions expressed are her own.)
Muse highlights include Jason Harper on cars, Lance Esplund on art.
To contact the writer on this story: Amanda Gordon at agordon01@bloomberg.net or on Twitter @amandagordon.
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Manuela Hoelterhoff at mhoelterhoff@bloomberg.net.
Alvin Ailey
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Terry Lundgren, CEO, Macy's Inc., and Tina Lundgren.
Terry Lundgren, CEO, Macy's Inc., and Tina Lundgren. Photographer: Amanda Gordon/Bloomberg
Alvin Ailey
Amanda Gordon/Bloomberg
Mo'Nique, center, honorary chairman of Alvin Ailey's opening night gala, with Susan Taylor, editor emerita of Essence, and Robin Lee.
Mo'Nique, center, honorary chairman of Alvin Ailey's opening night gala, with Susan Taylor, editor emerita of Essence, and Robin Lee. Photographer: Amanda Gordon/Bloomberg
Alvin Ailey
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Ray Chew, music director of "American Idol," singing along with the band.
Ray Chew, music director of "American Idol," singing along with the band. Photographer: Amanda Gordon/Bloomberg
Alvin Ailey
Amanda Gordon/Bloomberg
New York City Urban Gospel at the post-performance gala supper.
New York City Urban Gospel at the post-performance gala supper. Photographer: Amanda Gordon/Bloomberg
Alvin Ailey
Amanda Gordon/Bloomberg
Julian Robertson of Tiger Management LLC, and Elaine Wynn, chairman of the national board of Communities in Schools (in Carolina Herrera).
Julian Robertson of Tiger Management LLC, and Elaine Wynn, chairman of the national board of Communities in Schools (in Carolina Herrera). Photographer: Amanda Gordon/Bloomberg
Alvin Ailey
Amanda Gordon/Bloomberg
Nicolas Rohatyn and Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn (in Duro Olowu).
Nicolas Rohatyn and Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn (in Duro Olowu). Photographer: Amanda Gordon/Bloomberg
Alvin Ailey
Amanda Gordon/Bloomberg
Valentino Carlotti, a partner at Goldman Sachs Group Inc.
Valentino Carlotti, a partner at Goldman Sachs Group Inc. Photographer: Amanda Gordon/Bloomberg
Alvin Ailey
Amanda Gordon/Bloomberg
Joan Weill, chairman of Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, and Sandy Weill, who helms Carnegie Hall's board.
Joan Weill, chairman of Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, and Sandy Weill, who helms Carnegie Hall's board. Photographer: Amanda Gordon/Bloomberg
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