Cynthia Erivo, photo courtesy of Getty Images for ABT
Acclaimed British stage and screen artist Cynthia Erivo was honored at American Ballet Theater’s 2026 Fall Gala on Thursday, October 29, at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. Erivo was honored for her extraordinary artistry, her cross-disciplinary excellence in the performing arts, and her work spanning theater, music, and film.
Grand Gala Chair Sloan Lindemann Barnett and Roger Barnett photo courtesy Getty Images for ABT
Grand Chairs Sloan Lindemann Barnett and Violet Barnett; Emily Blavatnik and Laila Blavatnik; and Julia Koch and Mary Julia Koch led the Gala, three mother-and-daughter pairs joining together in support of American Ballet Theatre and its artists.
In a spirited nod to the Halloween season, Angels and Demons served as this year’s theme, bringing fantasy, mystery, and playful mischief to ABT’s flagship annual benefit, which raises vital funds to support company productions, new commissions, dancer training, and community engagement programs.
Erivo’s bold, dynamic stage presence, fashion-forward style, and mastery of dramatic and supernatural roles—such as Elphaba in the upcoming Wicked film adaptation and her recent West End run in Dracula—perfectly mirrored the evening’s dark, fantastical narrative.
Margaux Gisele DeAllen, Honoree Cynthia Erivo, Debbie Allen, Susan Jaffe, Barry Hugson, photo Getty Images for ABT
During Welcoming Remarks, ABT’s Artistic Director Susan Jaffe noted that Erivo brings a rare combination of artistry, emotional honesty, and fearless imagination to every role—qualities deeply valued and cultivated in professional ballet. Executive Director Barry Hughson emphasized the importance of supporting the arts, especially now.
Debbie Allen presented Cynthia with her award. She recalled their first meeting at the Kennedy Center Honors in December 2016. Erivo sang “The Impossible Dream” during a segment honoring President John F. Kennedy, and her powerhouse vocals earned a standing ovation from President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and the audience of honored guests. The moment became even more iconic when Aretha Franklin was spotted singing along in the audience.
“Art to me is akin to oxygen. We need it to live; it teaches us to love. I am proud to stand here to accept this award because I know the ABT feels the same.” – Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia recalled the first time she attended an ABT performance in May, 2016. She marveled at how much her adventurous life has changed over the past 10 years and reflected on how meaningful this award is.
Curated by Artistic Director Susan Jaffe, the one-night-only program featured classic and contemporary excerpts that explored the celestial and devilish theme through dance. ABT Principal Dancers Thomas Foster and James Whiteside hosted the evening; one wore a halo, the other devil’s horns.
An excerpt from Alexi Ratmansky’s Whipped Cream, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Frederick Ashton choreographed three works, including the company premiere of Dance of the Blessed Spirits, danced by Daniel Camargo; pas de deux from The Dream, with Catherine Hurlin and Isaac Hernández; and Sylvia, with Christine Shevchenko and Calvin Royal III.
An excerpt from Agnes de Mille’s Three Virgins and a Devil Photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Then came the demons, or at least the mischief. The program also included excerpts from Alexei Ratmansky’s Whipped Cream, the confectionery fever dream in which a sugar-sick boy hallucinates his way through a pastry shop; from La Sylphide, staged after Bournonville, with Hee Seo and Joo Won Ahn; and from Enrique Martinez’s Coppélia, with Skylar Brandt and Roman Zhurbin.
The program closed with Herman Cornejo and Léa Fleytoux in Fokine’s Le Specter de la Rose; Agnes de Mille’s comic Three Virgins and a Devil, with Jake Roxander, Devon Teuscher, SunMi Park, Sierra Armstrong and Tyler Maloney; and, inevitably, the Act III pas de deux from Swan Lake, danced by Chloe Misseldine and Aran Bell.
Sai De Silva, Tina Leung, Sara Hoover, photo courtesy of Getty Images for ABT
Gala guests who enjoyed the beautiful performance, black-tie dinner, and dancing on the Promenade of the David H. Koch Theater included Katie Holmes & Jason Bard Yarmosky, Anh Duong, Athena Calderone, Charlotte Groeneveld, Coco Kopelman, Elizabeth Segerstrom, Elizabeth Sulcer, Gucci Westman, Isabella Boylston, Lilah Ramzi, Lizzie Asher, Michael Kors & Lance LePere, Misty Copeland, Muffie Potter Aston, Natalie De’Banco, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Phillip Lim, Sai De Silva, Joshua Kamei, Kimberly Pirtle, and Sarah Hoover, among others.
Natalie De’Banco, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Elizabeth Sulcer photo courtesy of Getty Images for ABT
The dress code was “Festive Black Tie,” and I was eager to see how guests would interpret the angels-and-demons theme. There was plenty of angelic white, plus plenty of black and white. Cynthia, who wore a black tailored floral-appliqued coat dress and crisp white shirt fresh off the Erdem 2027 runway, gets my vote as most creative. I always love tailoring in a sea of gowns.
Marilyn Kirschner, Irina Dvorovenko, former ABT Principal Ballerina
Naturally, there was a smattering of devilish red, though I was surprised I did not see more. Former ABT Ballet Prima Ballerina Irina Dvorovenko and I were among the handful who went all out with color.
Black-clad guests, Photo by Marilyn Kirschner
There is no question that New York black ruled the night. Does that mean the demons have won? Regardless, no matter how you look at it, everyone enjoyed a devilishly good time!
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FROM: American fashion designer Ralph Rucci: A major home run! How extraordinary this young lady is, and along with her…