85 Years of American Ballet Theatre, Fêted With a Night to Remember

On Wednesday evening, the American Ballet Theatre hosted its annual Spring Gala—this year, with a bit of extra fanfare. The company is celebrating its 85th anniversary season, and the evening’s black-tie affair at Cipriani South Street reflected that milestone in suitably grand style.

Though wind and rain whipped off the East River, guests shielded gowns and tuxedos with oversized umbrellas as they arrived by town car. Inside the grand ballroom, the atmosphere warmed immediately. Friends compared summer travel plans and circled performance dates on their mental calendars—the Lincoln Center season begins June 10.

Among the familiar faces: Alec and Hilaria Baldwin, Dascha Polanco, Cynthia Rowley, Tina Leung, and Misty Copeland. Actor Sophia Bush reunited with her Junction co-star Polanco; both wore sleek black gowns and exchanged warm hugs. Real Housewives of New York star Sai De Silva brought along her daughter London, who was equally chic in sparkly Roger Vivier sandals and an Oscar de la Renta dress. The mother-daughter duo even had a chance to meet Copeland—a moment De Silva surely scored cool-mom points for. (Her own look: a two-tone Giambattista Valli creation.)

One of ABT’s star principals, Isabella Boylston, made an appearance in Chanel ballet flats, sidelined for the night by an inflamed ankle. But she was all smiles as she cheered on her colleagues during a special one-night-only program. Guests were treated to excerpts from Sir Frederick Ashton’s Sylvia (danced by Catherine Hurlin and Calvin Royal III), along with selections from Swan Lake, George Balanchine’s Theme and Variations, Twyla Tharp’s Bach Partita, and Alexei Ratmansky’s Serenade After Plato’s Symposium. The evening also marked the New York premiere of The Winter’s Tale, choreographed by Tony winner Christopher Wheeldon.

Artistic director Susan Jaffe opened the evening with a toast to the company’s enduring mission. “Tonight is so much more than just a party and dancing,” she said. “It’s a tribute to the legacy of American Ballet Theatre. The works performed tonight preserve the classics while commissioning the ones that innovate and push the art form forward—creating new classics for future audiences.”

Executive director Barry Hughson, now one year into his role, echoed the sentiment: “At 85 years young, ABT’s purpose is more important than ever. Our artists shine bright light into the world.”

The gala also honored longtime patrons Susan and Leonard Feinstein for their two decades of support. “To the dancers,” Susan said from the podium, “we are grateful for the joy you have given us. And though you make it look so effortless, we know it is very hard work and requires endless dedication.”

After dinner—and a salad of beets and asparagus—it was time for the most anticipated part of the night: dancing and dessert. As ever, ABT’s dancers took to the floor with guests in tow, leading the crowd in a final display of joy and movement. Some even managed to keep up—clearly, they’ve learned from the best.