The American Ballet Theatre (ABT) launched its Fall season in style, attracting a chic crowd of New York’s most fashionable arts supporters. On Wednesday night, the company presented a one-night-only performance, followed by an elegant evening of dinner and dancing at the David H. Koch Theater, with a special tribute to ballet legend Natalia Makarova.
Guests, dressed to the nines in black tie and ball gowns, gathered early on the terrace of the theater’s promenade, sipping cocktails while taking in the view of glamorous arrivals. As the evening unfolded, attendees moved downstairs to enjoy a program featuring a blend of classic and contemporary ballet pieces, offering a preview of the season to come.
Artistic Director Susan Jaffe introduced the evening’s special program, which blended timeless pieces with energetic modern performances. The audience was captivated by the likes of Isabella Boylston and James Whiteside in Children’s Songs Dance, and a moving excerpt from Sinatra Suite, featuring Cassandra Trenary and Herman Cornejo against a backdrop of glittering bronze lights. ABT stars including Calvin Royal III, Hee Seo, Skylar Brandt, Christine Shevchenko, and Gillian Murphy also graced the stage throughout the night. Adding to the magic, around 150 young dancers from ABT’s training programs were welcomed with cheers during their moment in the spotlight.
A key highlight of the evening was the tribute to Natalia Makarova, the esteemed Russian dancer and choreographer, in honor of the 50th anniversary of her iconic 1974 staging of The Kingdom of the Shades. During a special performance of this beloved work, led by Christine Shevchenko, Isaac Hernandez, and the female corps de ballet, Makarova watched proudly from the audience. Dressed in a bohemian printed kaftan and matching headscarf, she received a standing ovation for her lasting contributions to the ballet world.
After the performance, guests returned to the upper floor for an energized evening of dancing and mingling, sipping on cocktails. Silvia Tcherassi-clad Candace Bushnell delighted fans with photo ops, while Coco Rocha and her daughter Ioni Conran charmed the crowd in matching black dresses. Sabine Getty dazzled in a vintage Gianni Versace gown, while junior chairs Lizzie Asher, Casey Kohlberg, and Lilah Ramzi each stood out in their elegant attire.
Candace Bushnell Image credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Image1
The buzz about ABT’s Fall season, running until November 3, continues to build. Among the most anticipated performances is the world premiere of Crime and Punishment, a bold reimagining of Dostoevsky’s classic by Helen Pickett, blending contemporary ballet, electronic dance music, and innovative set design. With new works from choreographers Gemma Bond and Kyle Abraham also on the horizon, the season promises plenty of thrilling moments for ballet enthusiasts.
