On the opening night of NYC Ballet’s spring season, climate change activists interrupted the performance of Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux, coinciding with Earth Day. A protester yelled from the balcony, declaring a climate emergency and criticizing the influence of billionaire David H. Koch, whose support for the arts is marred by his polarizing stance on climate science. Despite audience booing and the performance’s temporary halt, dancers resumed the show shortly after. The protest, organized by Extinction Rebellion, aimed to shed light on the Koch family's conservative funding habits that counteract climate change initiatives.
"We're in a climate emergency," shouted a woman from the balcony, unfurling a banner as the NYCB performance continued uninterrupted.
The protest was aimed at highlighting the Koch family's funding for conservative causes that undermine climate change policy, according to the advocacy group Extinction Rebellion.
Despite the disruption, the dancers and musicians of the New York City Ballet continued performing, showing resilience amidst the protest.
Significantly, the protest coincided with Earth Day, using the occasion to amplify their message about climate change.
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