EVENTS
MacKay Productions specializes in the development of site-specific ballet events and performances that leave a lasting impression on the audience.
From ballet galas set on private islands in the Maldives to open-air performances in Paradise Valley, we curate unforgettable experiences. Our expertise extends to facilitating the global touring of various ballet productions, introducing timeless classics and world premieres to new audiences worldwide. Partnering with prestigious brands like Cartier and Dom Pérignon, we offer creative consultancy services to seamlessly integrate ballet into brand events, providing expert guidance and innovative concepts to elevate their brand presence and appeal.
A selection of our events:
Cartier High Jewelry
MacKay Productions directed the dance segments for Cartier High Jewelry galas in Vienna, casting global talent and choreographing premieres at the Belvedere Museum and Palais Liechtenstein.
We creatively directed the staging of the Pas de Deux performance The Flying Kiss from Le Parc, which was danced for the first time by Julian MacKay & Madison Young in front of Gustav Klimt’s iconic artwork The Kiss at the Belvedere Museum, creating a unique fusion of art and dance.
Our curated performance for Cartier's exclusive EIP event at the Palais Liechtenstein featured the world premiere of Unbridled Nature & Organic Symmetry by our in-house choreographer, alongside the iconic Black Swan Pas de Deux, starring La Scala étoile Nicoletta Manni.
For Cartier’s Reaktor immersive experience, we premiered a film about Julian MacKay, the first male ballet dancer to become a friend of the Maison. Guests were treated to a ballet performance choreographed by Julian MacKay, inspired by Cartier’s Nature Sauvage High Jewelry collection, followed by a Q&A about the creative process behind the choreography.
RenaissancE - ABU DHABI
MacKay Productions produced and artistically directed for the Renaissance ballet program in Abu Dhabi, securing rights to perform the ballet originally created for the Paris Opera, with Balmain costumes adorned in gold, silver, rhinestones, and pearls.
In partnership with Abu Dhabi Culture, the event took place at Emirates Palace, featuring a first act of Renaissance, choreographed by MacKay Productions’ represented choreographer artist, Sébastien Bertaud. The second act included a gala program of excerpts from iconic classical ballets.
MacKay Productions invited and cast dancers from world-leading companies, marking a historic moment as the performers appeared on stage without having to cover up their legs or arms, without tights or longer jackets.
HEAVEN ON EARTH
Heaven On Earth - an annual ballet week event produced by MacKay Productions.
Taking place on one of the most luxurious islands in the Maldives Velaa Private Island, international ballet stars from world-leading ballet companies come together to take over a stunning open-air stage overlooking the ocean. Across a classical and a contemporary evening, the ballet stars perform excerpts from beloved ballet classics alongside world-premiere choreography. As part of our immersive experience, guests of the island are invited to participate in a series of private masterclasses hosted by our dancers throughout the week, offering a unique opportunity for personal engagement and learning.
Highlighting the importance of environmental care, the event supports the island's dedication to conserving the coral reef. It creates an engaging atmosphere that celebrates both artistic expression and sustainability. This distinctive mix of ballet brilliance and eco-consciousness aims to inspire audiences while promoting the protection of our planet's precious natural resources through art.
Dom Pérignon
For the launch of Dom Pérignon’s latest Rosé, MacKay Productions orchestrated a unique dance performance that proved integral to the event's success.
Responsible for the conceptualization and execution of original choreography, MacKay Productions tailored the dance performance to complement the elegance of the occasion and the picturesque setting of the Rotunda space at Pinakothek der Moderne. Responsible for the dancer’s costume, our team sourced garments from Dior along with ballet-wear to create an original costume for the event.
MacKay Productions captured photographs of the dancer and produced a dance film of the choreography filmed in the event venue, contributing to the visual content from the event. From conceptualization to execution, MacKay Productions played a pivotal role in elevating the dance component of the event to the highest standard.
YIAF
Proudly supporting the Yellowstone International Arts Festival, that operates under the non-profit 501(c)(3) Youth Arts in Action, MacKay Productions offers guidance on the cast selection, fostering unique collaborations among multidisciplinary creatives, and crafting the event's visual identity through photography and videography. MacKay Productions strives to elevate the festival experience and contribute to its success in promoting arts and culture within the community.
The Yellowstone International Arts Festival, founded by the esteemed "most influential ballet family of our time," Teresa Khan MacKay and her four children, Julian Mackay, Nicholas MacKay Maria Sascha Khan and Nadia Khan, all born and raised in Montana, aims to bring international acclaim back to their roots and give back to their community.
With a goal to create a platform that not only showcases ballet in unique settings but also inspires individuals who may not have previously experienced such art forms, the festival aims to unite international expertise, top artistic talents, and visionaries. Formatted to produce unforgettable cultural experiences under Montana's Big Skies, our focus lies on excellence, innovation, integrity, and transforming lives through the beauty of the arts.
WHY IT MATTERS
In collaboration with New York City Ballet Principal Dancer and acclaimed choreographer Lauren Lovette, MacKay Productions supported in creatively directing the Why It Matters gala event at Spring Studios in New York City.
MacKay Productions helped curate the programming of the gala, developing its creative concept and marketing strategy for the first post-pandemic live ballet event in NYC. The team also took charge of designing posters, digital media, program booklets, and a dedicated website for the event.
Against the backdrop of Spring Studios, known for hosting cultural highlights like New York Fashion Week and the Tribeca Film Festival, Why It Matters revived ballet for a single night in a pop-up theater. The evening began with a rooftop cocktail reception, followed by a mesmerizing performance and a sunset intermission, ending with a celebratory dinner with the dancers. The lineup showcased talents from New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and San Francisco Ballet, featuring four world premieres and works by Ms. Lovette and other notable choreographers.