A Magical Evening with American Ballet Theatre: The 2025 Holiday Benefit

On the evening of December 15, 2025, the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills transformed into a enchanted haven of elegance and artistry as the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) hosted its annual Holiday Benefit in the iconic International Ballroom.

This glittering gathering was nothing short of spectacular—a captivating blend of world-class performances, heartfelt speeches, devoted supporters, and pure holiday magic.

What made the night truly unforgettable was the intimate setting. Guests sat remarkably close to the stage, creating a personal connection rarely experienced in larger venues. Artistic Director Susan Jaffe perfectly captured this charm, describing it as a "very intimate setting" that offered a unique, heartfelt holiday experience.

Among the star-studded attendees were actor Sterling K. Brown and his wife, Ryan Michelle Bathé, who joined a room filled with passionate patrons and ABT leadership.

ABT's dazzling principal dancers took the stage with breathtaking excerpts from both classical masterpieces and contemporary works. The program featured enchanting selections from Les Sylphides, The Winter’s Tale, Grand Pas Classique, Midnight Pas de Deux, and—of course—a beloved highlight from the holiday classic The Nutcracker.

The evening flowed seamlessly: Arrivals and a lively cocktail reception kicked off at 6:30 p.m., followed by the mesmerizing performances and a sumptuous dinner at 7:30 p.m.

In a delightful twist, after the dancing concluded, graceful ABT ballerinas joined guests at each dinner table, sparking charming conversations and photo opportunities that brought the magic even closer.

To cap off the indulgence (calories be darned!), a lavish dessert buffet awaited, overflowing with an irresistible array of gourmet treats that left everyone swooning.

At the heart of the celebration was a moving tribute to ABT Trustee Stewart R. Smith, who received the prestigious Melville Straus Leadership Achievement Award for his unwavering dedication to the arts.

Visibly emotional, with tears in his eyes, Smith delivered a powerful message: “The arts must survive and they must thrive—and that’s why I’m all in on this. I cannot imagine a world without such beauty and creativity, and I don’t think you can either.”

Executive Director Barry Hughson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the vital role of ABT's mission in today's world and the need to protect and nurture the arts as an essential part of our shared humanity.

In the end, this Holiday Benefit was a triumphant fusion of celebration, philanthropy, and exquisite ballet—an intimate, high-spirited affair that sprinkled Los Angeles with holiday enchantment while raising crucial support for one of America's greatest cultural treasures.