"Wait till you see the kids' performance!" declared Peter Martins, the School of American Ballet's artistic director, during pre-dinner cocktails at the organization's Winter Ball on Monday night. "Their energy will blow you away." With balletomanes such as Chelsea Clinton, Coco Kopelman, and Susan Fales-Hill looking on, the Jock Sotos and Wendy Whelans of tomorrow performed a comic, liberally tweaked version of Romeo and Juliet—with a major plot twist. Upon awaking from her coma and seeing her beloved dead beside her, Juliet eschews suicide in favor of running off with his best friend, Mercutio. Thirteen-year-old Ghaleb Kayali, who played the cheeky latter role, was also a hit on the dance floor later. "He might be the best dancer I've danced with," said benefit co-chair Joanne de Guardiola. "I am going home to take a few lessons."

— Jessica Ramakrishnan

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