The magnificent Beverly Hills estate of Anthony and Jeanne Pritzker (heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune) was the perfect setting for the American Ballet Theatre’s celebration of its 75th anniversary in mid-September.
This was the third consecutive year the Pritzkers have hosted the “Stars Under the Stars” gala, and more than $250,000 was raised to support the ABT.
Piaget was the evening sponsor; with many of the guests and dancers lighting up the red carpet with glittery selections from the iconic jeweler’s recent collection.
We were privileged to attend the one-night only special performance by the world-renowned artists of the ABT, including principal dancers Veronika Part, Hee Seo, and the gorgeous Devon Teuscher (who was my tablemate). Such a great idea to seat the stars with guests – thanks to PR pro Katie Sweet, who really knows how to plan and execute an elegant event. Selections from the company’s repertoire included “Cinderella,” “Swan Lake,” and “Toccare.”
The sprawling tennis court was transformed into a magical dining setting and 200 plus guests feasted on a superb menu provided by the four-star restaurant Lucques, featuring braised Niman ranch beef with halibut and herb salad.
Among the celebrated guests were actress Jane Kaczmarek “Malcolm in the Middle,” Cameron Silver, “The Insider” host Louis Aguirre, Sutton Stracke, Barbara Guggenheim, and Wendy Goldberg.
ABT chief executive Rachel Moore welcomed guests and was proud to announce that since their establishment 75 years ago, the American Ballet Company is recognized as one of the world’s preeminent cultural organizations.
Did you know that both Houses of Congress have designated them as “American’s National Ballet”? An honor well earned.
