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Emily Hughes, Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, Isabeau Levito, Vera Wang, Tina Lundgren, Vincent Zhou and FSH students attend the 2026 Figure Skating in Harlem Igniting the Dream Gala at Ziegfeld Ballroom on May 18, 2026 in New York City. (Udo Salters Photography)
Harlem Heart was on full display at Figure Skating in Harlem’s 2026 “Igniting the Dream” Gala, an unforgettable evening celebrating the power of girls, community, leadership, and Olympic-sized dreams on Monday, May 18, 2026 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in Midtown.
Hosted by CBS Mornings Plus anchor Adriana Diaz and co-chaired by fashion icon Vera Wang, the evening brought together leaders across sport, entertainment, philanthropy, business, and media in support of Figure Skating in Harlem’s mission to help girls transform their lives through education and the artistry and discipline of figure skating.
The gala raised almost $1.6 million to support the hundreds of girls and young women served annually through Figure Skating in Harlem’s academic, leadership, and skating programs.
From the moment students took the stage, the ballroom was transformed by their confidence, brilliance, and leadership. Through powerful spoken-word performances, inspiring speeches, and joyful moments throughout the evening, students and alumni reminded everyone in the room why investing in girls changes everything.
The evening featured appearances from Team USA and celebrated members of the skating community including Alysa Liu, 2026 Olympic Champion in both the women’ singles and team events, Amber Glenn, Isabeau Levito, Madison Chock & Evan Bates, Jason Brown, Danny O’Shea & Ellie Kam, Vincent Zhou, Alexa & Chris Knierim, Paul Wylie, Timothy Goebel, Emily Hughes, Jacob Sanchez, Suna Murray, Scott Allen, and Matt Farrell, President of U.S. Figure Skating.
Guests from across media, culture, fashion, philanthropy, and business also joined the celebration, including Marcus Samuelsson, Daniel Boulud, Emma Bloomberg, Harry Smith, Maya Haile, Butch & Roberta Graves, Andrea Joyce, Jason Dirden, June Archer, and media leaders from PEOPLE Magazine and NBC, including Charlotte Triggs, editor in chief of PEOPLE.
The gala honored two extraordinary women whose leadership and artistry embody the spirit of Figure Skating in Harlem’s mission: Anika Noni Rose, Tony Award-winning actress and Disney Legend Tina Lundgren, Olympic and World Figure Skating Judge and longtime Figure Skating in Harlem leader.
The evening featured alumna Tanay Davis, whose journey reflects the lasting impact of Figure Skating in Harlem and continues to inspire the next generation of leaders.
A special tribute was also held in honor of legendary philanthropist Agnes Gund, presented by acclaimed chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson. Agnes Gund’s belief in Figure Skating in Harlem helped shape our organization for nearly three decades. For 28 consecutive years, Aggie championed our girls, our mission, and the power of access to education, artistry, and opportunity. Her impact on Figure Skating in Harlem — and on generations of young women — is immeasurable.
For nearly 30 years, Figure Skating in Harlem has shown what is possible when girls are given access, opportunity, and unwavering belief. This night was a celebration not only of how far our students have come, but of the dreams they continue to pursue every single day.
The dreams sparked inside the ballroom will continue far beyond one night — fueling the next generation of scholars, leaders, artists, and champions both on and off the ice. (Photos by Hideki Aono) (SOURCE: FSH)
