Sutton Stracke, Andrew F. Barth, Jennifer Garner, James Whiteside, Kara Medoff Barnett and Kevin McKenzie
Photo by Vince Bucci

Misty Copeland, Ginny Mancini and Blaine Hoven
Photo by Vince Bucci

Alisa Diez and Stella Abrera
Photo by Vince Bucci

Sharon Lawrence, Nigel Lythgoe and Misty Copeland
Photo by Vince Bucci

ZJ Fang and Jolene Rapino
Photo by Vince Bucci

Sutton Stracke and Dita Von Teese
Photo by Vince Bucci

Calvin Royal III
Photo by Vince Bucci

James Whiteside and Isabella Boylston give remarks
Photo by Vince Bucci

Carlos Gonzalez and Sarah Lane perform "Harlequinade"
Photo by Vince Bucci

Luis Ribagorda, Alexei Agoudine and Arron Scott perform an excerpt from "The Nutcracker"
Photo by Vince Bucci

Blaine Hoven and Misty Copeland perform an excerpt from "Garden Blue"
Photo by Vince Bucci

On Monday, December 17, fans of the American Ballet Theatre descended upon the Beverly Hilton Hotel for the dance company’s annual holiday benefit and entertainment. Hosted by actor Jennifer Garner, a longtime supporter and friend of ABT, the event featured one-night-only performances by America’s national ballet company, including principal dancers Stella Abrera, Isabella Boylston, Sarah Lane and Misty Copeland. Three hundred guests, including Dita Von Teese and Nigel Lythgoe; and co-chairs Sarah Arison, Avery and Andrew F. Barth, Stewart R. Smith and Robin A. Ferracone, and Sutton Stracke, were treated to excerpts from “The Nutcracker” and “Don Quixote,” as well as a sneak peek of Ratmansky’s “Harlequinade,” which makes its West Coast premiere in January at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Following the show, attendees enjoyed dinner, then mingled with the dancers over dessert. Proceeds from the evening support ABT and its educational programs.

Written by Phoebe Doheny