For the annual American Ballet Theatre fall gala, the objective is simple: support one of the best dance companies in the world, and wear something fun.
“I wanted to look like a ballerina,” said “Real Housewife” Melissa Gorga, who was attending the event for the first time in a glitzy Bronx and Banco dress. “It’s a little different for me; I went a little out of my comfort zone,” she added. “I think this is the cutesy, demure vibe.”
Romantic looks — tulle, sequins and florals — ruled the evening, whether in the form of a rainbow sequined cape, Schiaparelli brooch on a tuxedo, or dramatic gown with a train.
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Coco Rocha was an early arrival, striking dramatic poses with her young daughter in front of the step-and-repeat. “She has an expert teacher,” one photographer called out, charmed by the mother-daughter appearance.
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“You get to play dress up, you get to come out, you get to see some beautiful things, some beautiful people. I always say this is my market research,” said designer Michelle Ochs, who arrived alongside dancer Lauren Bonfiglio, both dressed in the same Hervé Léger look. “It’s my night out, so I enjoy being able to sit back and watch someone’s else’s art,” added Ochs, a longtime ABT supporter. The designer was also using the moment to manifest: “I’m putting it out into the universe: costumes for the ballet. I’m your stretch girl. I got it.”
The evening, which kicks off ABT’s fall season, also honored legendary ballerina Natalia Makarova, who in 1970 defected to the US from the Soviet Union, and the 50th anniversary of her staging of “The Kingdom of the Shades” for ABT.
“It’s one of the most classical, most demanding ballets in the world — for the court of ballet particularly, and she raised the level of all of the classicism in American Ballet Theatre, and really for the country,” said ABT artistic director Susan Jaffe. “It’s a really special honor to have her here with us tonight, to honor her, and of course get to see our glorious dancers.”
The upcoming season will include the debut of a “Crime and Punishment,” a new ballet created by Helen Pickett. “She is the first female choreographer to do a full-length narrative work on ABT,” added Jaffe.
So for me, being a female leader, being able to hire a female choreographer to do such an epic work makes me so proud.”
Up on the outdoor terrace, guests were enjoying pre-performance cocktails and taking in the view of Lincoln Center. Michael Imperioli took a selfie with wife Victoria Chlebowski, as an usher began weaving through the crowd as they banged on a four-note xylophone, calling out the five-minute warning to the start of the evening’s performance.
Downstairs, Chelsea Clinton was arriving with Indre Rockefeller, followed closely by event chair Chai Vasarhelyi and pro-climber husband Jimmy Chin. Other guests included ABT dancers Misty Copeland and Zhongjing Fang, Christian Cowan, Candace Bushnell, Cynthia Rowley, Lizzie Asher and Shari Siadat.
For some, the evening marked their first foray into the ABT world.
“I’m new to the enjoyment of the ballet,” said reality star Tayshia Adams, wearing a vintage teal velvet Betsey Johnson gown. “This is actually something I manifested for myself this year. Being in an amazing city like New York, I’ve never really had access prior to it — so I’m just here to enjoy the ballet.”
