Independent Arts News Reporting New York Theatre Ballet Founder Diana Byer to Speak at Trenton City Museum October 25
Reported on Monday, October 19, 2026.
Pictured Above: Sunday, October 25, at 2 pm. join Diana Byer, founder of New York Theatre Ballet, for a special talk at Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie, located in Trenton’s Cadwalader Park. Diana will share stories of her experiences throughout her lifelong ballet career, starting as a young ballet dancer in Trenton, particularly during the annual Sport Nite of Trenton Central High School. Reservations: $10/$5 for museum members. Light refreshments included. To reserve, call 609-989-1191 or visit ellarlsie.org/events. Photo by Betti Franceschi from the book Ageless Dancers. Photo Credit: Contributed.
NEWRSOOM POST: TRENTON, NEW JERSEY
Trenton native and ballet pioneer Diana Byer returns to share her journey from Trenton Central High School to founding New York Theatre Ballet.
Trenton, NJ — From Trenton Central High School to the professional ballet stages of New York City, Diana Byer’s journey in dance is remarkable.
On Sunday, October 25, 2026, Trenton City Museum will welcome Byer for a special conversation about her life and career. The event will explore her early experiences in ballet, professional accomplishments, and lifelong dedication to dance.
Byer performed as a principal ballet dancer in Trenton Central High School’s 1964 Sport Nite competition. She later founded New York Theatre Ballet in 1978 and established a lasting presence in New York City’s dance community.
Celebrating Trenton's Dance History and Sport Nite Traditions
The event also celebrates Trenton’s rich performing arts history. In addition, it connects Byer’s career with the museum’s recent Sport Nite Extravaganza exhibition.
The exhibition explores Trenton High School’s beloved annual competition between its Red and Black teams. For decades, the tradition brought students together through creativity, friendly rivalry, and school spirit.
Visitors can explore vintage costumes, student artwork, and historical reproductions. Together, these displays highlight Sport Nite traditions from 1935 through 1999.
For ballet enthusiasts and former Trenton High School students, the conversation offers a special opportunity to hear Byer’s story firsthand. It’s also a chance to celebrate the local arts traditions that helped shape her career.
Diana Byer at Trenton City Museum: Event Details
Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
Location: Trenton City Museum, Trenton, NJ
Admission: $10 general admission; $5 museum members
Reservations: Call 609-989-1191 or visit ellarlsie.org/events.
Light refreshments are included.
ABOUT TRENTON CITY MUSEUM AT ELLARSLIE
Located in Trenton’s Cadwalader Park, Trenton City Museum is accessible from Parkside Ave. and has ample adjacent parking. It is open Thursdays through Saturdays, 12 to 4 p.m.; Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m. There is no admission fee to view the museum’s art and history exhibitions, but donations are welcomed. Trenton City Museum is housed in Ellarslie Mansion, an 1848 Italianate Villa on the National Historic Register. The surrounding Cadwalader Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed iconic spaces such as New York City’s Central Park. The museum showcases exhibitions of contemporary fine art, ongoing and changing history displays that explore Trenton’s rich industrial and cultural past, and hosts community events and family workshops all year. Learn more at ellarslie.org, 609-989-1191, or tms@ellarslie.org.
