There’s nothing more on pointe than a night dedicated to the arts.
The American Ballet Theatre‘s Holiday Benefit returned to the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills on Monday (December 11) after a four year hiatus with a one-night only program featuring scenes from The Nutcracker. Alongside the ballet classic, attendees saw the Los Angeles premiere of dancer James Whiteside’s pas de deux and performances by the ABT’s Aran Bell, Isabella Boylston, Chloe Misseldin and Christine Shevchenko, to name a few.
Proceeds from the Holiday Benefit support the theatre’s engagement and education programs, per their website, and actress Lesley Ann Warren took a moment to explain the purpose of these courses.
“It’s important that there is education out there about ballet,” the Cinderella star exclusively told Celeb Secrets, “and what it can do for children’s self-worth, self-esteem, sense of value and discipline.”
Lesley noted that the long-lasting effects of dance extend far off stage left.
“There is so much that one gets from the study of ballet,” she continued. “So, I think it’s great there is an outreach program to allow more people the opportunity to learn the background of ballet and what it can do for them.”
Meanwhile, fellow dancer Amanda Kloots has been a longtime champion of the American Ballet Theatre and reflected on the ways in which their pieces have always spoken to her.
“I’ve been performing in ballet since I was 10 years old. I love it.” the Fit for Christmas star shared. “I was just saying how going to the ABT gala in New York City in May was always something I looked forward to doing. I love the classic ballet so that repertoire in their dancers are so beautiful.”
Amanda added, “It makes you feel good inside.”
Sutton Stracke, who sits on the board of the ABT, gave fans a look into her earliest memory of the ballet, telling Celeb Secrets it was none other than The Nutcracker at age six.
“That is the quintessential first ballet experience for any little girl,” the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member said. “So definitely that one.”
The star-studded event had some of Tinsel Town’s biggest names on the guest list, including Kloots and Stracke, Becca Tobin, Camille Collard, Carly Hughes, Cassandra Trenary, Jane Seymour, Joey Zauzig, Kathy Hilton, Keltie Knight, Krys Marshall, Lesley Ann Warren, Lisa LoCicero, Natasha Kalimada, Nigel Lythgoe, NJ Falk, Pierce Brown, Retta, and more. Celeb Secrets was on the red carpet chatting with dancers, co-chairs and celebs prior to the big evening, and you can watch all of our interviews by clicking through the playlist below.
For more on the American Ballet Theatre, visit their website here.
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