vildwerk. presents
Dancing For Our Wonderful World
vildwerk. Presents Dancing for Our Wonderful World at New York Live Arts
EIGHT Works — FOUR Nights Only | December 17–20, 2025
In its highly anticipated second season, vildwerk. presents Dancing for Our Wonderful World, a four-night celebration where acclaimed choreographers and world-class dancers illuminate the beauty and urgency of our planet.
Featuring eight breathtaking works — including two world premieres created with inspiration from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF®) and in collaboration with Nature and Culture International — the season merges exceptional artistry with a call to
environmental action.
Opening Night — December 17 ✨ Very limited tickets available.
The season launches on December 17 with a spectacular Opening Night performance and VIP Reception Party, where audiences are invited to celebrate with the artists and conservation leaders shaping this unique collaboration of art and purpose.
Guests will mingle with stars from New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, The Royal Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, Buglisi Dance Theatre, San Francisco Ballet, LA Dance Project, Miami City Ballet, and The Joffrey Concert Group, alongside figures from leading environmental organizations.
Charity Auction • Live Music • Exclusive Access
Program:
Christopher Wheeldon OBE – After the Rain
A much-loved masterpiece performed by stars from New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre.
Cast 1 (Dec 17–18): Mira Nadon & Preston Chamblee
Cast 2 (Dec 19–20): Isabella Boylston & Craig Hall
Gianna Reisen – Network
A contemporary quartet with an original score by David K. Israel and imagery by Samantha Bass, exploring the
symbiotic world of mycorrhizal fungi. Created in collaboration with the Mycorrhizal Fund.
Jacqulyn Buglisi – Moss Anthology #5
With a score by Jeff Beal, performed by members of Buglisi Dance Theatre.
Bradley Shelver – World Premiere for Joffrey Concert Group
A new ocean-inspired work created with World Wildlife Fund (WWF®) and a score by David K. Israel.
Antonia Franceschi – World Premiere
Created on Royal Ballet legend Edward Watson MBE, in collaboration with Nature and Culture International.
Annabelle Lopez Ochoa – Symbiotic Twin
Performed by former San Francisco and Miami City Ballet principals Benjamin Freemantle and Renan Cerdeiro.
Virginie Mécène – FLOES
A collaboration with composer Judith Shatin and visual artist SoHyun Bae, performed by Martha Graham
Fellowship dancer Grace Sautter.
Henning Rübsam – Monarcas (excerpt)
Performed by Megan LeCrone (NYCB) and Renan Cerdeiro (Miami City Ballet).
As part of the season, vildwerk. proudly introduces #TheRubyInitiative, a moving photo exhibition presented in the lobby of New York Live Arts, featuring portraits by Samantha Bass, Martin Broen, and Stephanie Diani.
At its center is Ruby, a Burmese Roofed Turtle from Myanmar — one of the rarest turtles on Earth. Smuggled to a Hong Kong wet market, Ruby spent 20 years confined in a basement cage, stunted to a third of her natural size. Since her rescue, she has been thriving under the care of U.S. conservationists, yet her species remains critically endangered due to poaching and illegal trade.
Through #TheRubyInitiative, vildwerk. is raising funds to build Ruby a protective greenhouse and to support long-term conservation efforts ensuring the survival of her species.
“Through dance, we connect art and activism — inspiring audiences to care, reflect, and act,” says Chiara Gorodesky, founder of vildwerk. “Ruby’s story is a testament to resilience and to what’s possible when compassion meets creativity.”
