ABT’s Harlequinade performed by Carlos Gonzalez and Sarah Lane (Photo credit: Vince Bucci)
Jennifer Garner may be best known for her long-running role on “Alias” and on the new HBO comedy “Camping,” but she was all about glorying in classical and contemporary ballet as she hosted what has become a Southern California December tradition, the American Ballet Theatre’s dazzling holiday benefit.
“It is my lifelong dream to be up here and celebrating the American Ballet Theatre, and lucky for all of you, I will not be dancing tonight– that’s my holiday gift,” Garner said with a smile as she opened the evening.
The gala event took place at the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton December 17 and the air of excitement was palpable as guests took their seats at tables graced with gorgeous white rose and amaryllis centerpieces.
Garner told the crowd that she had just seen the troupe’s performance of “The Nutcracker” with her kids the night before. Later, she ran a funny video of her participating in the company’s “Harlequinade.”
After cocktails and dinner, the main event was a series of diverse performances featuring ABT’s gifted dancers, showcasing the depth and breadth of their repertoire.
In the spirit of the holiday season there were two selections from “The Nutcracker,” performed by Alexei Agoudine, Arron Scott, Luis Ribagorda and Christine Shevchenko.
The appreciative audience also enjoyed selections from “Harlequinade,” “Leaves are Fading,” “Don Quixote” and “Garden Blue,” performed by ABT’s prima ballerina Misty Copeland (who recently made her feature film debut in Disney’s “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms”) and Blaine Hoven.
The presentation concluded with a rousing tap performance of “Dream Within A Dream,” featuring Stella Abrera, Sarah Lane, Christine Shevchenko, Cassandra Trenary, Duncan Lyle, Scott and Ribagorda.
Copeland and Lythgoe
After their performances, the ABT dancers did a costume change from tutus and leotards into formalwear to meet and greet guests at what has become a time-honored tradition at the gala, the dessert table overflowing with sweets set up at the back of the ballroom – and of course, the traditional champagne toast to the performers.
Among the more than 300 guests were familiar faces and supporters of American Ballet Theatre including Dita Von Teese, Sharon Lawrence, Lesley Ann Warren, Nigel Lythgoe and Ginny Mancini.
The event raises funds for educational and outreach programs of the New York City-based ballet, which performs there for eight weeks every year at the Metropolitan Opera House and tours around the world.
