Inside the American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala: Cynthia Erivo Honored at Lincoln Center as Katie Holmes, Nicky Hilton, and Misty Copeland Step Out

Tony, Emmy, and Grammy-winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo took center stage at Lincoln Center in New York City as the primary honoree for the prestigious ABT Fall Gala. The American Ballet Theatre celebrated the acclaimed performer for her “extraordinary contributions to the performing arts,” turning the iconic cultural venue into a masterclass in modern gala fashion.

Flanked by high-profile stars across film, Broadway, and dance, the red carpet spotlighted dramatic silhouettes that fully embraced the evening’s “Angels and Demons” theme. From sweeping feathered textures to sharp architectural tailoring, the evening proved that classical dance galas remain a dynamic intersection for Hollywood royalty and New York society.

Cynthia Erivo on the red carpet at the American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala, wearing a black jacket and a black skirt adorned with floral appliqués.

Honoring a Performing Arts Titan at Lincoln Center

The headline moment belonged entirely to Cynthia Erivo, who arrived on the red carpet wearing an intricate ensemble featuring a tailored black jacket and an ornate black skirt detailed with floral appliqués. The recognition celebrates Erivo’s enduring influence across musical theater, television, film, and vocal performance, reinforcing the American Ballet Theatre’s tradition of spotlighting multi-hyphenate artists who push creative boundaries.

“Extraordinary contributions to the performing arts.”

Erivo was not alone in turning heads as the celebration brought together prominent figures from the stage and screen. Longtime theater devotees and red carpet staples arrived in force to support the legendary ballet company’s ongoing cultural mission in Manhattan.

Katie Holmes and Jason Bard Yarmosky pose on the red carpet at the American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala.

Nicky Hilton wearing a white gown and black gloves on the red carpet at the American Ballet Theatre.

Star-Studded Arrivals: Dramatic Silhouettes and Thematic Contrast

The red carpet leaned heavily into contrasting textures, alternating between ethereal white motifs and dark, structured couture. Nicky Hilton captured the angelic side of the spectrum, posing in an immaculate white evening gown paired with dramatic black opera gloves, while Katie Holmes arrived alongside Jason Bard Yarmosky.

Noah Galvin and Ben Platt on the red carpet at the American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala.

Broadway stars Ben Platt and Noah Galvin also made a joint appearance, bringing theater community support directly to the Lincoln Center plaza. Meanwhile, distinguished guests such as Courtney Shealy and Victoria Sherman highlighted the artistic convergence of New York’s philanthropic and performance circuits.

Courtney Shealy attends the American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala.

Victoria Sherman attends the American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala Honoring Cynthia Erivo at Lincoln Center.

Statement Textures: Feathers, Capes, and Bold Colorways

Attendees embraced dramatic wardrobe choices that echoed the evening’s thematic energy. Feathers, velvets, and striking cape overlays offered a masterclass in dynamic red carpet dressing.

• Animal prints and feather collars: Kathy Taggares paired a long-sleeved animal-print dress with an extravagant black feathered collar and studded accessories.
• Architectural capes: Barbara Siegler wore a black one-shoulder gown accented by a long, sparkling white cape and a gold clutch.
• Sleeveless plumage: WanTing Zhao stood out in a feather-covered dress paired with dark green leather gloves.
• Plush jewel tones: Leah Baylin chose rich texture in a floor-sweeping red velvet dress.

Kathy Taggares poses on the red carpet at the American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala, wearing a long-sleeved animal-print dress with a prominent black feathered collar and holding a studded handbag.

Jessica Whitaker arrives at the American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala, wearing a black dress and holding a clutch.

Barbara Siegler poses on the red carpet at the American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala, wearing a black one-shoulder gown paired with a long, sparkly white cape and holding a gold clutch.

WanTing Zhao poses on the red carpet at the American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala, wearing a sleeveless feather-covered dress paired with dark green leather gloves.

Debunking the Gala Myth: Traditional Black-Tie vs. Modern Avant-Garde

A widespread misconception assumes that classical ballet galas enforce rigid, monochromatic black-tie dress codes devoid of experimentation. In reality, the American Ballet Theatre’s fall red carpets frequently serve as high-profile incubators for avant-garde styling, contrasting classic gala expectations with bold personal statements.

Sarah Hoover demonstrated this visual versatility by choosing a romantic white ruffled gown styled with a beaded headband, while Lizzie Asher brought elevated evening wear to the gathering.

Ballet Icons and Creative Leaders Come Together

The celebration naturally bridged legendary dance talent with modern cinema and visual art. Former ABT stars Sascha Radetsky and Stella Abrera graced the arrival carpet, underscoring the deep company roots behind the night’s festivities.

Actor Lake Bell joined acclaimed contemporary artist Rashid Johnson for the event, while vibrant style choices from attendees like Nicole Dicocco in purple pleats and Sierra Armstrong in warm beige added breadth to the arrivals line.

Veteran stage performer Julie Halston, fashion editor Marilyn Kirschner, and designer Dennis Basso anchored the creative guest list, culminating in an appearance by world-renowned ABT principal dancer Misty Copeland. With Cynthia Erivo at the heart of the celebration, the ABT Fall Gala highlighted the power of modern collaboration across all disciplines of American performance.

✨ From Cynthia Erivo’s floral-appliqué moment to Nicky Hilton’s sharp monochrome contrast, the “Angels and Demons” gala set a striking bar for autumn red carpet fashion.

💬 Lincoln Center once again proved why it remains the epicenter of high-society performance and progressive couture.

👇 Which gala look was your absolute favorite of the night? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and share this gallery with your fellow theater lovers!