American Ballet Theatre:Summer Celebration

July 2021. Virtual

American Ballet Theatre (ABT) held its Summer Celebration on July 15, 2021, a dazzling, virtual showcase of soaring artistry including excerpts of classical, iconic ballet pieces along with the premiere of three new works: Collage & Creed by Silas Farley, Desire by Helen Pickett, and City of Women by ABT Principal Dancer, James Whiteside. All pieces were performed and filmed in quarantined “ballet bubbles” in different locations across the United States.

The First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden, delivered welcoming remarks. Renée Elise Goldsberry, Tony Award winner and ABT Family member, hosted the Summer Celebration with a special guest, ABT Dancer, Erica Lall.

The program also paid tribute to the ongoing ABT Heals series of live recitals for patients and hospital staff at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital, highlighted the ABT Across America tour that took place in July, and honored ABT Heroes – medical advisor Dr. Robert Galvin, and Jennifer Garner, actress and ABT’s champion supporter – who have helped the Company to navigate the pandemic.

Empire worked in close partnership with American Ballet Theatre to develop the creative and run of show, coordinate and record speakers remotely, and oversee technical and video production. The program celebrated the spirit of summer and ABT’s “ballet bubbles” by bringing to life themes of nature and vibrant colors through eye-catching landscapes, dancer silhouettes, ambient nature sounds, animations, and sweeping transitions.

Empire is a leading producer of virtual, hybrid and live events, and is proud to work with leading arts organizations like America’s National Ballet Company®.

To support American Ballet Theatre and its magnificent dancers, brilliant choreographers, and education programs, please visit: https://www.abt.org

ABT’s Summer Celebration program is available for a limited time on ABT’s YouTube Channel.