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Meet the 42nd Atlanta Ballet Ball Co-Chairs

42nd Atlanta Ballet Ball Co-Chairs Nigel Ferguson and Preston Wilson, Jr. Photo by Kim Evans.

We sat down with Preston, who serves on the Corps de Ballet board, and Nigel, an Atlanta Ballet Trustee, to learn about their personal connections to Atlanta Ballet:

What first brought you to Atlanta Ballet?

Preston: I grew up in a family with a respect for the arts. Ballet was a huge part of my upbringing. After moving to Atlanta and experiencing Atlanta Ballet I was instantly hooked.

Nigel: Growing up in New York, I frequently attended performances by American Ballet Theatre (ABT) and New York City Ballet (NYCB) and was always amazed by the incredible artistry and athleticism of their dancers. When I relocated to Atlanta, it was important for me to find a local company I could support.

What is a favorite ballet memory of yours?

Nigel: I remember seeing Sylvie Guillem perform Don Quixote with ABT in 1991 and being completely mesmerized. She was the most amazing dancer I’d seen and I became obsessed with finding videos of her other performances, which proved difficult during the pre-digital period. In those days, my friends and I attended a lot of ABT and NYCB performances. We purchased $10 student tickets and, when the lights went down, we’d move to better seats.

Preston: My favorite memory of ballet was my first time seeing The Nutcracker as a kid. I was so excited, and it was so magical. It became our yearly kick-off to the holidays for my family.

Why is it important to you to support Atlanta Ballet and the Arts more broadly?

Nigel: Dance played an important role during my formative years; it provided the space for me to find myself and express what I wasn’t able to communicate otherwise. Dance taught me discipline and dedication, which has helped me in life and in my professional career.

Preston: It is important for me to support the arts because that’s what brings us joy, helps us express ourselves and builds bridges between cultures.

Nigel: Exactly. It is so important for me to pay it forward and provide opportunities for young people to discover and explore the power of dance on and off the stage.

What are you most looking forward to at the 2023 Atlanta Ballet Ball?

Preston: I am most looking forward to the fellowship with fellow Atlanta Ballet patrons and friends. It always feels like a fun, elegant night with friends. I love the opportunity to dress up and go out to support my favorite local art. It is a great opportunity to have fun while raising critical funds for a worthy cause.

Nigel: Well, I am looking forward to raising lots of money to support Atlanta Ballet and the Centre for Dance Education. I’m also looking forward to the fashion; it’s not every day we get to attend a black-tie event with a Spanish theme!

Purchase your tickets today!

Join Co-Chairs Nigel Ferguson and Preston Wilson, Jr. for a vibrant evening celebrating Atlanta Ballet and its mission to impact lives through the transformative power of dance.

Host Committee:
Kimberlyn Daniel, Nancy Field, Chynna Johnson, Barbara Joiner, and Allen W. Yee.

The 42nd Atlanta Ballet Ball, Sunset in España, is inspired by the upcoming production of Don Quixote. Be transported to an evening in Spain with a bold and modern take on a Spanish taverna. Delight in a lavish culinary experience, captivating dance performances, exciting live and silent auctions, and a sizzling After Party with live music by The New Royals and DJ Quasi.

The 42nd Atlanta Ballet Ball
Saturday, February 25, 2023

The St. Regis Atlanta
88 West Paces Ferry Rd NW

Cocktails & Silent Auction | 6:30PM
Dinner* | 7:30PM
After Party | 9:30PM

Black Tie Attire. Valet Parking only.

* Featuring performances by Atlanta Ballet and Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education.