A First Look At The American Ballet Theatre Spring Gala's Red Carpet

by Rachelle Hruska · May 19, 2009

[Renee Zellweger owns the red carpet. Photos by DAVID X PRUTTING for PMc]

Last night, the American Ballet Theatre hosted their Annual Spring Gala at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center. Renee Zellweger clearly owned the red carpet, while first lady Michelle Obama owned the crowd inside. The first lady spoke on the importance of giving young people better access to the arts. "The arts are not just a nice thing to have or to do if there is free time or if one can afford it," she said at the museum. "Rather, paintings and poetry, music and fashion, design and dialogue, they all define who we are as a people and provide an account of our history for the next generation."

Click below for more from Michelle Obama and photos of the top red carpet looks...

After being introduced by Caroline Kennedy, Michelle reminded the audience that President Obama had included an additional $50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts in his economic stimulous package.

"My husband and I believe strongly that arts education is essential for building inoovative thinkiers who will be our nation's leaders for tomorrow."