A Night of Elegance and Excellence: American Ballet Theatre’s 85th Anniversary Gala Dazzles at Cipriani South Street

The American Ballet Theatre (ABT) celebrated its illustrious 85th Anniversary Spring Gala with a breathtaking evening of dance, dinner, and distinction at the stunning Cipriani South Street in New York City. This milestone event offered an exclusive preview of the 2025 Summer Season and honored longtime supporters Susan and Leonard Feinstein for their unwavering dedication to the Company’s artistic and educational legacy.

The gala performance showcased a rich tapestry of classical and contemporary ballet, featuring selections from the most revered choreographers and composers in the art form:

• Les Sylphides – Pas de deux performed by Isabella Boylston and Calvin Royal III

• Sylvia – Act III variation danced by Catherine Hurlin

• The Winter’s Tale – Act II pas de deux by Skylar Brandt and Jake Roxander

• The Kingdom of the Shades (Excerpt) – Christine Shevchenko and Aran Bell

• Theme and Variations – Pas de deux by Devon Teuscher and Joo Won Ahn

• Serenade after Plato’s Symposium – Pas de deux with SunMi Park and Daniel Camargo

• The Sleeping Beauty – Adagio from Act III by Hee Seo and Cory Stearns

• Bach Partita – 1st Movement by Chloe Misseldine, James Whiteside, Fangqi Li, Andrew Robare, Virginia Lensi, Finnian Carmeci, Yoon Jung Seo, Alejandro Valera Outlaw, Courtney Shealy, and João Menegussi

• The Winter’s Tale – Act III pas de deux with Cassandra Trenary and Herman Cornejo

• Swan Lake – Adagio and coda from Act III performed by Gillian Murphy and Michael de la Nuez

Each piece was met with awe and admiration, reflecting ABT’s remarkable commitment to technical precision, emotional depth, and timeless storytelling.

The black-tie affair attracted over 500 guests from New York’s cultural, fashion, and philanthropic circles. Notable attendees included Alec and Hilaria Baldwin, Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris, Karine Jean-Pierre, Misty Copeland, Jean Shafiroff, Cynthia Rowley, Sai De Silva, and many more. Guests were treated to a cocktail reception, seated dinner, and dancing—all in celebration of ABT’s continuing legacy as a premier ballet institution.

The evening paid special tribute to Susan and Leonard Feinstein, whose extraordinary contributions have fueled ABT’s mission for over two decades. Their support has been instrumental in sustaining educational programs, commissioning new works, and expanding access to ballet across generations.

Designated as America’s National Ballet Company by an act of Congress in 2006, American Ballet Theatre has enchanted audiences in all 50 U.S. states and 45 countries. Founded in 1940, ABT’s repertory spans full-length classics, modern masterpieces, and daring new works that push the boundaries of ballet. With its headquarters in New York City, ABT continues to redefine excellence in the world of dance.