The magic is back.
So are the incredibly graceful pliés, arabesques, battements, and fouettés.
Because for the first time in four years, American Ballet Theatre (ABT) danced and pirouetted its way back to Beverly Hills to host its star-studded Holiday Benefit for a special, one-night only performance at The Beverly Hilton.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: (L-R) Cy Doherty, Chloe Misseldine, SunMi Park, Betsy McBride and Erica Lall attend the American Ballet Theatre’s Holiday Benefit at The Beverly Hilton on December 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for American Ballet Theatre)
It was a magical, “en pointe” kind of evening, being treated to exquisite performances from several of ABT’s celebrated principal dancers — as well as getting to meet new friends over dinner… all in support of the arts.
After a lovely cocktail reception, guests were treated to the program featuring performances by Aran Bell, Isabella Boylston, Chloe Misseldine, SunMi Park, Calvin Royal III, Jose Sebastian, Hee Seo, Christine Shevchenko, Cory Stearns, Katherine Williams, and the Los Angeles premiere of James Whiteside’s new pas de deux and scenes from The Nutcracker.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: Jane Seymour attends the American Ballet Theatre’s Holiday Benefit at The Beverly Hilton on December 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for American Ballet Theatre)
Co-Chairs Avery & Andrew F. Barth, Alissa Hsu Lynch, and Sutton Stracke were in the audience, watching the principal dancers share their stories through the art of movement. Additional guests included fans of dance (and many former and current dancers as well) such as Amanda Kloots, Becca Tobin, Camille Collard, Carly Hughes, Cassandra Trenary, Jane Seymour, Joey Zauzig, Kathy Hilton, Keltie Knight, Krys Marshall, Lesley Ann Warren, Lisa LoCicero, Natasha Kalimada, Nigel Lythgoe, NJ Falk, Pierce Brown, Retta, and more.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: Retta attends the American Ballet Theatre’s Holiday Benefit at The Beverly Hilton on December 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for American Ballet Theatre)
The benefit was held on Monday, December 11 — at the same theater that the Golden Globes takes place (and on the very same day that the nominees for the Globes were announced).
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: (L-R) Jose Sebastian, Natasha Kalimada and guestsattend the American Ballet Theatre’s Holiday Benefit at The Beverly Hilton on December 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for American Ballet Theatre)
As stars walked the red carpet, I had the opportunity to meet and greet (and chat) with several of the guests about the importance of ABT’s return. Keltie Knight called the night “a dream” on the red carpet.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: Carly Hughes attends the American Ballet Theatre’s Holiday Benefit at The Beverly Hilton on December 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for American Ballet Theatre)
Jane Seymour, who is a professionally trained ballet dancer (as well as a former contestant on Dancing With The Stars) shared that “What’s so wonderful about dance is that it’s universal. You don’t have to worry about language. It’s the language of human movement. And emotion. And music.”
After the performances, guests enjoyed a starter salad right before their entrees, and then a dessert buffet.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: Amanda Kloots attends the American Ballet Theatre’s Holiday Benefit at The Beverly Hilton on December 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for American Ballet Theatre)
For dance lovers, ABT will return to Southern California April 11-14 2024, performing at Costa Mesa’s Segerstrom Center for the Arts in its North American Premiere for Woolf Works. Other engagements for 2024 include February 21-25 in Washington DC, for a performance of Swan Lake.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: (L-R) Kathy Hilton and Sutton Stracke attend the American Ballet Theatre’s Holiday Benefit at The Beverly Hilton on December 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for American Ballet Theatre)
Proceeds from the benefit support the American Ballet Theatre and its educational and engagement programs.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: Keltie Knight attends the American Ballet Theatre’s Holiday Benefit at The Beverly Hilton on December 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for American Ballet Theatre)
As for how dance lovers can support the ABT (as well as other performers), Keltie Knight shared that “if you love something, don’t love it silently. If you follow all the ABT stars, make sure you’re commentating on their posts. And something, even like supporting James [Whiteside]’s book, and buying the book, telling all your friends about it” can be an incredible way to show your passion for dance.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: (L-R) James Whiteside and Augie Schott attend the American Ballet Theatre’s Holiday Benefit at The Beverly Hilton on December 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for American Ballet Theatre)
Keltie added that while “going and seeing dance live is the thing that really gives you the goosebumps, I love following my favorite dancers on Instagram.” Of course, you can also donate and make your contribution as an annual or monthly sustaining member of ABT as well.
