Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Wona Park and Wei Wang rehearsing Tomasson’s Giselle // © Reneff-Olson Productions

The post Meet the Artist: Wei Wang on Giselle appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Sasha De Sola and Aaron Robison in Tomasson’s Giselle // © Lindsay Thomas

The post Meet the Artist: Sasha De Sola on Giselle appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Wei Wang, Sasha De Sola, and Bridget Breiner rehearsing Breiner’s The Queen’s Daughter // © Chris Hardy

The post Meet the Artist: Lynn Charles on The Queen’s Daughter appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Nicolas Blanc’s Bio

A familiar face to San Francisco Ballet, Nicolas Blanc returns to the Company as a choreographer for next@90.

Blanc began his dance training in Montauban, France. After winning a scholarship in the 1994 Prix de Lausanne, he continued his early dance education at the Academie de Danse Classique Princesse Grace’ in Monte-Carlo and the Paris Opera Ballet School. He then danced with Nice Opera Ballet, Deutsche Oper am Rhein Dusseldorf, Zurich Ballet, and San Francisco Ballet, where he was made Principal Dancer in 2004. In 2009, he joined Scottish Ballet as Ballet Master and has worked as a rehearsal director and principal coach for the Joffrey Ballet since 2011.

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet in Blanc’s Gateway to the Sun // © Lindsay Thomas

The post Meet the Artist: Nicolas Blanc on Gateway to the Sun appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: WanTing Zhao and Steven Morse in Caniparoli’s Emergence // © Lindsay Thomas

The post Meet the Artist: Joanna Berman on Emergence appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

ROBERT GARLAND’S BIO

Robert Garland’s passion for dance ignited when he witnessed his first Dance Theatre of Harlem performance. He moved to New York City, attended The Juilliard School, and then quickly rose through the Dance Theatre of Harlem ranks to become a principal dancer. Soon after Dance Theatre’s founder and former artistic director Arthur Mitchell invited Garland to create a work for the company, he was appointed their first resident choreographer and director of the Dance Theatre of Harlem School. He has since been selected to succeed Virginia Johnson as Artistic Director of the company, beginning his new role in 2023.

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet in Garland’s Haffner Serenade // © Lindsay Thomas

The post Meet the Artist: Robert Garland on Haffner Serenade appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

The post “On Nights Like These, Legends Are Born” appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

In this series profiling recently promoted dancers, Myles Thatcher shares about his career path, his choreography, and how he’s been spending time while at home.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Myles Thatcher in Tomasson’s Nutcracker // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Soloist and Choreographer Myles Thatcher appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

New mom Frances Chung shares her memories of the creation of Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella and talks about what makes this ballet so special. She also shares what it’s like to come back to the stage after having her first child.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

This production was part of the 2023 Season

Header Image: Frances Chung in Wheeldon’s Cinderella© // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancer Frances Chung appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Isabella DeVivo and Joseph Walsh rehearsing Wheeldon’s Cinderella© // © Lindsey Rallo

The post Meet the Artist: Joseph Walsh and Isabella DeVivo on Cinderella appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Helgi Tomasson and Mathilde Froustey discuss the creation of Romeo & Juliet, the character of Juliet herself, taking the ballet on tour to Copenhagen, and their favorite moments in the work.

This production was part of the 2023 Season

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Mathilde Froustey and Joseph Walsh in Tomasson’s Romeo & Juliet // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Helgi Tomasson and Mathilde Froustey appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Fight Director Martino (Marty) Pistone describes the creation of the sword fights and other stage combat in Helgi Tomasson’s Romeo and Juliet. He discusses the styles of fencing and the weapons used, as well as the process of teaching dancers the fight choreography. He also discusses working with the dancers for the crowd scenes during the fights, and his performing role as the Prince of Verona.

This production was part of the 2023 Season

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet in Tomasson’s Romeo & Juliet // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Martino Pistone appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Cathy Marston and Sarah Van Patten interview each other about the creative process and Marston’s two ballets for SF Ballet, Snowblind and Mrs. Robinson. 

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

This production was part of the 2021 Season

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet rehearsing Marston’s Mrs. Robinson // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Cathy Marston and Sarah Van Patten appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Principal Dancer Jennifer Stahl reflects on the challenges and satisfactions of being in a work as it is created, reminiscing on the excitement of the Unbound Festival of New Works. She discusses her approach to learning the role of Zeena in Snowblind, and she describes Appassionata and the language used by choreographer Benjamin Millepied to evoke the sweep of movement he desires. She is especially eloquent as she explains how she strives to inhabit a role, whether it is abstract or portrays a character.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Marston’s Snowblind is part of SF Ballet’s 2021 Digital Season

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet in Marston’s Snowblind // © Erik Tomasson

The post Jennifer Stahl on Snowblind and Appassionata appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

In her current role as a ballet master, former SF Ballet principal dancer Tina LeBlanc talks about what’s important to her as a teacher. She discusses the benefits of ballet training, how to motivate young dancers, the use of imagery, and how a “good” dancer becomes “great.” LeBlanc also reflects on her own retirement from the stage and comments on her work as a ballet mistress for Balanchine’s Rubies.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

George Balanchine’s Jewels was part of SF Ballet’s 2021 Digital Season

Header Image: Mathilde Froustey and Joseph Walsh in Balanchine’s Rubies // Choreography by George Balanchine © The Balanchine Trust; Photo © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Tina LeBlanc appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Rufus Olivier, Principal Bassoon Player in the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra, reminisces engagingly about his nearly 40 years with the Orchestra. He describes Program 04—the “Must-See Balanchine” works—as a “dream” for the bassoon, with featured parts in Stravinsky Violin Concerto, the Prokofiev accompanying Prodigal Son, as well as the Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 3 in D Major, Op. 29, which accompanies Diamonds.

George Balanchine’s Jewels was part of SF Ballet’s 2021 Digital Season.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Rufus Olivier // © Chris Hardy

The post Meet the Artist: Rufus Olivier appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Retiring Principal Bassist Steven D’Amico is joined by his stand mate Shinji Eshima to discuss their careers, the SF Ballet Orchestra, and the evening’s performance of Shostakovich Trilogy.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Atmosphere at SF Ballet Gala 2019 on January 23rd 2019 at City Hall/War Memorial in San Francisco, CA // © Drew Altizer

The post Meet the Artist: Orchestra Members Steven D’Amico and Shinji Eshima appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Dance Educator Mary Wood interviews Resident Choreographer Yuri Possokhov and San Francisco Ballet Orchestra Member and Composer Shinji Eshima about the making of Possokhov’s new ballet Swimmer.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet in Possokhov’s Swimmer // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Yuri Possokhov and Shinji Eshima appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

In this series profiling recently promoted dancers, Lucas Erni discusses his path to SF Ballet and shares reflections on his time spent in quarantine.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet in Tomasson’s Concerto Grosso // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Soloist Lucas Erni appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

In this series profiling recently promoted dancers, Diego Cruz shares about his career and starting Worldwide Ballet Class during Covid-19.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Diego Cruz in company class // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Soloist Diego Cruz appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

In this series profiling recently promoted dancers, Max Cauthorn shares about his career path, the highlights of the 2020 Season, and what he’d been up to during Covid-19.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Max Cauthorn in Lander’s Etudes // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancer Max Cauthorn appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

In this series profiling recently promoted dancers, Ellen Rose Hummel shares her path to SF Ballet, how she found out about her promotion to soloist, and what she’s been doing during shelter-in-place.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Ellen Rose Hummel in Tomasson’s The Sleeping Beauty // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Soloist Ellen Rose Hummel appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Tiit Helimets chats with Claire Sheridan about his career, what it’s like to be dancing at home, and his interests outside of ballet.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancer Tiit Helimets appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Music Director and Principal Conductor Martin West chats with Principal Dancer Angelo Greco and Concertmaster Cordula Merks about the many facets of conducting for ballet.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Misa Kuranaga and Angelo Greco in the pas de deux from Petipa’s Le Corsaire // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Angelo Greco, Cordula Merks, and Martin West appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Imani Rupert-Gordon and Kris Hayashi share about their two organizations and how audience members can get involved. Arthur Pita chats about his Bjork Ballet and how he’s thinking about art in this time of crisis.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: SF Ballet rehearsing Pita’s Bjork Ballet // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Imani Rupert-Gordon (NCLR), Kris Hayashi (TLC), and Arthur Pita appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Marilyn Coyne calls in to chat with Claire Sheridan about life in the SF Ballet Orchestra, her many years performing with ballet companies, and what makes this company so special.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Sensorium 2020 // © Nikki Ritcher Photography

The post Meet the Artist: SF Ballet Orchestra Member Marilyn Coyne appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

School Director Patrick Armand, Director of Education and Training Andi Yannone, Principal Dancer Max Cauthorn, and Corps de Ballet member Sean Bennet join Jeffrey Lyons to reminisce about his 20 years at SF Ballet School.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet School Students receiving notes on the demonstration to be performed during the 2018 Student Showcase // © Lindsay Thomas

The post Meet the Artist: Jeffrey Lyons appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Dana Genshaft, former SF Ballet Soloist, choreographer, and current faculty member at SF Ballet School, and Pemberley Ann Olson discuss their relationship as student-teacher and choreographer-dancer. They share about the creation process and SF Ballet School’s Choreographic Fellowship.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet School students rehearsing Genshaft’s Heliotrope // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Dana Genshaft and Pemberley Ann Olson appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Wona Park calls in from her home in South Korea where she’s quarantining with her family. Hear about her life, training, and her eventful first three years at San Francisco Ballet.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Wona Park and Wei Wang in Gsovsky’s Grand Pas Classique // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancer Wona Park appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Dores André gives a glimpse of her life during shelter-in-place. She talks about Justin Peck’s Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming, streaming now on SF Ballet’s website, and discusses the process of working with Justin, Trey McIntyre, and Benjamin Millepied.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Dores André and Joseph Walsh in Peck’s Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancer Dores André appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Yuan Yuan Tan and Luke Ingham chat about life during COVID-19 and share insights into Edwaard Liang’s 2018 ballet The Infinite Ocean..

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Yuan Yuan Tan and Carlo Di Lanno in Liang’s The Infinite Ocean // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancers Yuan Yuan Tan and Luke Ingham appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Jennifer Stahl chats with Dance Educator Mary Wood during San Francisco’s Shelter-in-Place order. She discusses how she’s staying in shape, the 2020 Season, and Trey McIntyre’s Your Flesh Shall Be a Great Poem.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet in McIntyre’s Your Flesh Shall Be a Great Poem // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancer Jennifer Stahl appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Julia Rowe discusses life during shelter-in-place. Among other things, she chats about what it’s like to take ballet class via Zoom, living with another artist, and how she prepares her pointe shoes.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Julia Rowe in Liang’s The Infinite Ocean // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Soloist Julia Rowe appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Joshua Jack Price discusses his first season in the corps de ballet–a season cut short by COVID-19. He also shares stories of his time at the Prix de Lausanne, in the SF Ballet School Trainee Program, and favorite memories of the season.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Elizabeth Mateer and Joshua Jack Price rehearsing Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream // Choreography by George Balanchine © The Balanchine Trust; Photo © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Corps de Ballet Member Joshua Jack Price appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Madison Keelser thoughtfully reflects on life as a professional dancer in this discussion about artistic development, international experience, and the physical demands of the career. Valuable insight into Program Two’s The Sandpaper Ballet and Bespoke is also shared.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Madison Keesler and Joseph Walsh rehearse Marston’s Mrs. Robinson // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Soloist Madison Keesler appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Soloist Lonnie Weeks speaks engagingly about his ballet beginnings and training. He discusses Sandpaper Ballet and working with choreographer Mark Morris, his musicality and his sense of humor. Speaking about Bespoke, he describes the process of working with choreographer Stanton Welch, who created the work for the Unbound Festival in 2018.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Lonnie Weeks in Tomasson’s Concerto Grosso // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Soloist Lonnie Weeks appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Lucas Erni shares insight into his path from Argentina to San Francisco and discusses the ballets on Program 03: Dance Innovations. He also talks about his experience at the Prix de Lausanne and his time at SF Ballet School.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Lucas Erni in Tomasson’s Concerto Grosso // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Corps de Ballet Member Lucas Erni appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Join Helgi Tomasson and Joseph Walsh as they call in from shelter-in-place to discuss the role of Oberon. Learn about what it was like to dance for Balanchine and what it is that makes this role so very special.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Purchase Stream Access

Header Image:  Joseph Walsh in Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream // Choreography by George Balanchine © The Balanchine Trust; Photo © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Helgi Tomasson and Joseph Walsh appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Recently promoted Principal Dancer Esteban Hernandez discusses his childhood, career, and the role of Benjamin in Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella with Caitlin Sims. He also shares about his work with his family in Mexico, sharing the joy of ballet through performances, classes, and auditions.

Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella is part of SF Ballet’s 2023 Repertory Season. It will be performed in Program 6, from Mar 31–Apr 8, 2023.

Check out the 2023 season

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Esteban Hernandez in Wheeldon’s Cinderella^© // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancer Esteban Hernandez appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

New Principal Dancer Misa Kuranaga shares stories about her life, how she first came to San Francisco Ballet, and why she chose to return this year. She also gives insight into the character of Cinderella, both in Christopher Wheeldon and Frederick Ashton’s iconic versions.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Misa Kuranaga and Angelo Greco in the pas de deux from Petipa’s Le Corsaire // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancer Misa Kuranaga appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Choreographer Mark Morris has had a long relationship with San Francisco and San Francisco Ballet, having created more works for this company than for any other ballet company. Ballet Masters and former SF Ballet Principal Dancers Betsy Erickson and Tina LeBlanc to discuss his life, works, and unique relationship to the West Coast.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Mark Morris’s Sandpaper Ballet is part of SF Ballet’s 2021 Digital Season. It will be performed as part of Program 02, streaming February 11–March 3.

Purchase Single Stream Access

Header Image: SF Ballet in Morris’s Sandpaper Ballet // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Betsy Erickson and Tina LeBlanc appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Host Andi Yannone interviews Ballet Master Betsy Erickson and discusses how Cinderella is rehearsed and put together. In particular, they discuss the challenges of a trans-continental co-production during the initial creative process.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Christopher Wheeldon during a dress rehearsal of Wheeldon’s Cinderella^© // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Ballet Master Betsy Erickson appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Host Andi Yannone interviews Executive Director Kelly Tweeddale. They talk about her journey to SFB, her initial impressions of the Company and artistry of the dancers, and what she’s most looking forward to in the coming years.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Kelly Tweeddale // © Brandon Patoc

The post Meet the Artist: Executive Director Kelly Tweeddale appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Members of the Production Staff discuss the demands of their positions as they “create the magic” of a fairy tale on stage. Jane Green, Production Stage Manager, describes the complexity of running this show; Kate Share, Manager of Wardrobe, Wig, Make-Up, and Costume Construction, talks about the elaborate costumes and some of the difficulties the dancers encounter in accommodating them; Ken Ryan, Master of Properties, reveals the “secrets” behind the golden slipper so important to this story.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Sasha De Sola in Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: SF Ballet Production Staff appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Principal Dancer Sofiane Sylve discusses her career as a dancer and teacher and gives insight into that evening’s performance of Shostakovich Trilogy.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet in Ratmansky’s Piano Concerto #1 // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancer Sofiane Sylve appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Join Carrie Gaiser Casey, PhD for an in-depth analysis of Alexei Ratmansky’s Chamber Symphony, the centerpiece of his stunning Shostakovich Trilogy.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet in Ratmansky’s Chamber Symphony // © Erik Tomasson

The post Pointes of View: Carrie Gaiser Casey, PhD appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Nathaniel Remez, corps de ballet, discusses his life and career with Senior Manager, Individual Giving, Ari Lipsky, with a special emphasis on the role of the Poet in John Neumeier’s The Little Mermaid.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Nathaniel Remez in Pita’s Björk Ballet // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Corps de Ballet Member Nathaniel Remez appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

SF Ballet Artistic Administrator Amelia Bear interviews Corps de Ballet dancer Madison Keesler. Amelia and Madison cover the recent announcement of her upcoming promotion to Soloist and the successes and challenges that came along with dancing a number of big roles this season, including the Princess in John Neumeier’s The Little Mermaid. Madison shares her unique perspective having danced for John Neumeier at Hamburg Ballet prior to joining San Francisco Ballet.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header image: Madison Keesler hosts a Student Matinee // © Chris Hardy

The post Meet the Artist: Corps de Ballet Member Madison Keesler appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

John Neumeier’s ballets require both stunning dance technique and powerful acting. Join Principal Dancers Wei Wang and Sasha De Sola and dance educator Mary Wood to learn about how they prepare to perform his dramatic roles.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Yuan Yuan Tan and Wei Wang in Neumeier’s The Little Mermaid // Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancers Sasha De Sola and Wei Wang appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Principal Dancer Tiit Helimets offers an eloquent description of John Neumeier’s The Little Mermaid, and he describes the complicated role of “The Poet/Andersen.” He discusses the contrasting character of “The Prince/Edvard,” which he performed in previous seasons. He concludes with a charming anecdote about how he began his ballet career.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Tiit Helimets in Neumeier’s The Little Mermaid // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancer Tiit Helimets appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Soloist Lonnie Weeks describes his training and tells the story of his recent promotion, as well as gives insight into Trey McIntyre’s Your Flesh Shall be a Great Poem and Christopher Wheeldon’s Bound To^©.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header image: Lonnie Weeks in Wheeldon’s Bound To^©  // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Soloist Lonnie Weeks appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Elizabeth Mateer, in her third season as a member of the corps de ballet, reflects on the roles she has enjoyed performing. She describes her preparation for a professional career from training in a small setting to the intense experience at the School of American Ballet, and then her seven years as part of Pennsylvania Ballet. She recalls the excitement of learning the new works for the 2018 Unbound Festival, and she describes the important effects of the festival going forward.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header image: SF Ballet in Possokhov’s “…two united in a single soul…” // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Corps de Ballet Member Elizabeth Mateer appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Arthur Pita’s Björk Ballet made a splash last year with spectacular props, Marco Morante–designed costumes, and music by Icelandic singer-songwriter Björk. Join SF Ballet Production Director Christopher Dennis and Company Manager Juliette LeBlanc to learn about how they pulled the many pieces of this ballet together and how they’ll bring it on tour to London.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header image: SF Ballet in Pita’s Björk Ballet // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Production Director Christopher Dennis and Company Manager Juliette LeBlanc appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Scenic and Lighting Designer David Finn discusses his life and career along with his recent work for SF Ballet, Die Toteninsel. He speaks about collaborating with choreographer Liam Scarlett on this ballet, as well as about the many other choreographers with whom he’s worked during his long career.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header image: Dores André and Wei Wang in Scarlett’s Die Toteninsel // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Scenic & Lighting Designer David Finn appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Cavan Conley describes his training and the beginnings of his professional career prior to joining San Francisco Ballet this season as a member of the corps de ballet. He relates the process of creating Die Toteninsel, choreographed on the company last summer by Liam Scarlett, emphasizing Scarlett’s profound musicality.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header image: Esteban Hernandez in Scarlett’s Die Toteninsel // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Corps de Ballet Member Cavan Conley appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Join SF Ballet’s 2019 Visiting Scholar Clare Croft, PhD for a talk on “What makes a ballet “American?” Several works on Programs 05 and 06 beg the question, what makes a ballet “American?” Trey McIntyre’s Your Flesh Shall be a Great Poem draws its title from famous American poet Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass and McIntyre’s memories of his grandfather, a man he describes as “just so American.” On Program 06, Justin Peck re-imagines one of the most iconic of Americana ballet’s, Rodeo: Four Dance Episodes—with the open, expansive sound of Aaron Copland’s music. In our contemporary moment, what—and who—is American is a polarizing, too often violent debate. How might ballet help us imagine “American” as an identity that can be reimagined and inhabited by many?

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header image: Isabella DeVivo and Steven Morse in McIntyre’s Your Flesh Shall Be a Great Poem // © Erik Tomasson

The post Pointes of View: Visiting Scholar Clare Croft, PhD appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Soloist Julia Rowe chats with Caitlin Sims about her training with Marcia Dale Weary at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, her experience in Helgi Tomasson’s The Sleeping Beauty, and taking classes through the St. Mary’s LEAP program.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header image: Julia Rowe in Tomasson’s The Sleeping Beauty // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Soloist Julia Rowe appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Jeffrey Lyons discusses what is important to him as a ballet teacher, the art of teaching boys, and the joy of seeing his students reach professional status. The enduring popularity of The Sleeping Beauty is discussed, as well as Jeff’s role as a ballet master for the student performers in various productions, including The Nutcracker.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header image: Scenes from the 2018 San Francisco Ballet School open house // © Alexander Reneff-Olson

The post Meet the Artist: SF Ballet School Faculty Jeffrey Lyons appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

The post Yasmine Naghdi, Principal Dancer, The Royal Ballet appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Principal Dancer Carlo Di Lanno gives a description of the classical training that prepared him to dance Prince Desiré in The Sleeping Beauty, and offers a lively account of performing the 3rd Act variation for an early audition. He discusses his approach to taking on the character. He compares performing this most classical role to the neo-classical and contemporary works in which he appears throughout the season, looking forward especially to Shostakovich Trilogy on Program 08.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header image: Sasha De Sola and Carlo Di Lanno in Tomasson’s The Sleeping Beauty // Photo © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancer Carlo Di Lanno appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Dancers Frances Chung, Principal, and Esteban Hernandez, Soloist, discuss how their classical training gave them the foundation to perform The Sleeping Beauty; Esteban relates the journey from his backyard to the Royal Ballet School. Frances delves into “The Rose Adagio,” describing its place in the story and the difficulties it presents to the ballerina. Esteban tells the story of “The Bluebird” and “Princess Florine,” and then gives a vivid account of performing the difficult variation.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header image: Frances Chung and Vitor Luiz in Tomasson’s The Sleeping Beauty // Photo © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancer Frances Chung and Soloist Esteban Hernandez appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Director of Education and Training, Andi Yannone, interviews corps de ballet dancer Kamryn Baldwin about her training, Harald Lander’s Etudes, and Helgi Tomasson’s The Fifth Season.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header image: San Francisco Ballet in Balanchine’s Divertimento #15. Choreography by George Balanchine © The Balanchine Trust // Photo © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Corps de Ballet dancer Kamryn Baldwin appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Aaron Robison, Principal Dancer, discusses his path to SF Ballet, dancing in Helgi Tomasson’s The Fifth Season and Harald Lander’s Etudes, and how he prepares for the season.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header image: San Francisco Ballet in Lander’s Etudes // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancer Aaron Robison appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

The post Martin West, Music Director and Principal Conductor, on Program 2: Kaleidoscope appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Lise Lander, Artistic Advisor, and Johnny Eliasen, Répétituer describe the ballet, Etudes, recounting its history and discussing the difficulties it presents. Johnny explains his role in staging the work, based on his experience as a dancer, ballet master, and Artistic Director of the Royal Danish Ballet. Lise explains her role as “owner” of this work by her late husband, choreographer Harald Lander, and how she carefully chooses which companies will be privileged to dance it.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header image: San Francisco Ballet in Lander’s Etudes // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Répétiteur Johnny Eliasen and Artistic Advisor Lise Lander appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Luke Ingham and Ulrik Birkkjaer, principal dancers, discuss the art of partnering and how male dancers build the necessary strength and stamina with SF Ballet Senior Manager of Content and Editorial, Caitlin Sims.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header image: San Francisco Ballet in Peck’s Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancers Ulrik Birkkjaer and Luke Ingham appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Soloist Henry Sidford discusses how he came to San Francisco Ballet, highlights in his career (so far!), and the ballets on Program 02: Kaleidoscope.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header image: Sarah Van Patten and Henry Sidford in Peck’s Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Soloist Henry Sidford appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Principal Dancer Angelo Greco discusses how he first encountered Don Quixote, what he enjoys about this ballet, and his love to classical ballet.

Tomasson/Possokhov’s Don Quixote is part of SF Ballet’s 2022 Season. It was performed in Program 3 from February 26–March 6, 2022.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header image: Mathilde Froustey and Angelo Greco in Tomasson/Possokhov’s Don Quixote // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancer Angelo Greco appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Principal Dancer Wei Wang discusses his early training in Beijing, how he came to San Francisco Ballet, and the role of Basilio in Don Quixote.

Tomasson/Possokhov’s Don Quixote is part of SF Ballet’s 2022 Season. It was performed in Program 3 from February 26–March 6, 2022.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Wei Wang and Dores André in Peck’s Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancer Wei Wang appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

The post Helgi Tomasson Previews the 2019 Season appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Principal Dancer Joseph Walsh chats about his career, Don Quixote, and other 2019 ballets, including several Unbound works. He also shares what a normal morning looks like and his favorite things to do in his downtime.

Tomasson/Possokhov’s Don Quixote is part of SF Ballet’s 2022 Season. It was performed in Program 3 from February 26–March 6, 2022.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet in Tomasson/Possokhov’s Don Quixote // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancer Joseph Walsh appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Principal Dancer Sasha De Sola engages in a lively discussion about her classical roles, contrasting her preparation for dancing more contemporary parts. She acknowledges solid, classically-based training for contributing to her technical achievements. She describes the challenges of dancing Kitri in Don Quixote, but emphasizes how much fun it is!

Tomasson/Possokhov’s Don Quixote is part of SF Ballet’s 2022 Season. It was performed in Program 3 from February 26–March 6, 2022.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Sasha De Sola and Aaron Robison in Tomasson’s Nutcracker // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancer Sasha de Sola appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

The post Season Preview with Martin West appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

In this special episode moderated by Ellen Sorrin, Director of the Balanchine Trust, San Francisco Ballet Artistic Director and Principal Choreographer Helgi Tomasson is joined by Patricia McBride and Jean-Pierre Frohlich to discuss the life and choreography of Jerome Robbins, in honor of his centennial.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play!

Header Image: Frances Chung and Angelo Greco in Robbins’ Other Dances // © Erik Tomasson

The post Celebrating Jerome Robbins appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Choreographer and SFB dancer Myles Thatcher eloquently describes the experience of participating in the Unbound: Festival of New Works as both a choreographer and a dancer. He discusses the creative process from the dancer’s point of view, performing in Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Guernica and in Alonzo King’s The Collective Agreement. Then he explains the motivation for his own work, Otherness, elaborating on his choice of casting both a male and a female in separate casts for his lead character.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your device!

Header Image: Julia Rowe and Myles Thatcher in Lopez Ochoa’s Guernica // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Choreographer and Dancer Myles Thatcher appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Principal Dancer Jennifer Stahl discusses the Unbound festival and Dwight Rhoden’s LET’S BEGIN AT THE END with Jennie Scholick, Associate Director of Audience Engagement.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Dwight Rhoden’s LET’S BEGIN AT THE END is part of SF Ballet’s 2021 Digital Season. It will be performed as part of Program 02, streaming February 11–March 3.

Purchase Single Stream Access

Header Image: Jennifer Stahl and Ulrik Birkkjaer in Rhoden’s LET’S BEGIN AT THE END // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancer Jennifer Stahl appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Principal Dancer Tiit Helimets reflects on the classical training that prepared him to dance classical, neo-classical, and contemporary roles. Using visual prompts from Sleeping Beauty, Agon, and Eden-Eden, he describes the evolution of technique, costuming, and music in works he has performed across the range of period styles.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your device!

Header Image: Yuan Yuan Tan and Tiit Helimets in Tomasson’s The Sleeping Beauty // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancer Tiit Helimets appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Claire Sheridan, founder of the LEAP program at St. Mary’s College, interviews SF Ballet Soloist Lauren Strongin about her life, career, and the Unbound festival.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your device!

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet in Scarlett’s Die Toteninsel // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Soloist Lauren Strongin appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Dance Educator Mary Wood talks with Unbound festival choreographer Stanton Welch, artistic director of Houston Ballet, about his history at SF Ballet and his new work, Bespoke.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your device!

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet rehearsing Welch’s Bespoke // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Choreographer Stanton Welch appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Ellen Rose Hummel describes her journey to SFB from training with Patricia McBride in North Carolina, to three years in SF Ballet School and as a Trainee. She offers insight into the life of the senior students and Trainees at their chaperoned living quarters, “Jackson House.” She discusses performing character roles, such as stepsister Edwina in Cinderella, in Val Caniparoli’s Ibsen’s House, and the “girl with the red purse” in Robbins’ Fancy Free.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your device!

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet in Robbins’ Fancy Free // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Corps de Ballet member Ellen Rose Hummel appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

In honor of the Jerome Robbins Centennial, Associate Director of Audience Engagement Jennie Scholick, PhD discusses the many facets of Jerome Robbins’ talents including his successes on Broadway and his mark as a ballet choreographer. This is followed by a discussion with Soloist Esteban Hernandez and Corps de Ballet member Lonnie Weeks about performing Robbins’s ballets and his impact on other contemporary choreographers.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your device!

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet in Robbins’ Fancy Free // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Lonnie Weeks and Esteban Hernandez appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Corps de Ballet member Madison Keesler is interviewed by Rena Nishijima, communications associate. After four seasons with English National Ballet, Keesler returned to SF Ballet. She reveals what brought her back to San Francisco, as well as what she has learned from performing with companies abroad. Keesler also shares her experience with Robbins’ The Cage and fellow Company member Myles Thatcher’s Otherness for Unbound: A Festival of New Works.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your device!

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet in Balanchine’s Theme and Variations // Choreography by George Balanchine © The Balanchine Trust; Photo © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Corps de Ballet member Madison Keesler appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Principal Dancer Frances Chung recounts the experience of being in London at The Royal Ballet to learn the role of Elizabeth Lavenza in Liam Scarlett’s Frankenstein. She discusses how her interpretation of the role has evolved while performing it a second time. Turning to Unbound: A Festival of New Works, she describes the process of working with choreographers with whom she has had a long relationship—Stanton Welch and Christopher Wheeldon—as well as two choreographers new to her, Alonzo King and Dwight Roden.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your device!

Header Image: Frances Chung in Welch’s Bespoke // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancer Frances Chung appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Benjamin Freemantle, then a member of the corps de ballet, converses with Jennie Scholick, associate director of audience engagement. Freemantle describes his normal Sunday morning, his journey to SF Ballet, and the excitement of premiering in Val Caniparoli’s Ibsen’s House. He also shares about his various side projects, including choreography and a new organization called Project New Day.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your device!

Header Image: Benjamin Freemantle in McIntyre’s Your Flesh Shall Be a Great Poem // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Corps de Ballet member Benjamin Freemantle appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Corps de Ballet member Kimberly Marie Olivier discusses portraying the role of Ellida Wangel, from Lady from the Sea, in Val Caniparoli’s Ibsen’s House, and the valuable coaching she received from him, Ballet Master Betsy Erickson, and Caniparoli’s assistant Maiqui Manosa. After relating some of her impressions of the pieces being created for the Unbound festival, she talks about her own experience of choreographing for a social media platform.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your device!

Header Image: Kimberly Marie Olivier in Caniparoli’s Ibsen’s House // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Corps de Ballet member Kimberly Marie Olivier appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Soloist Steven Morse describes his journey to SF Ballet, discussing his time as a Trainee at SF Ballet School. He recalls learning a role in Caniparoli’s Ibsen’s House, and how important the coaching he experienced was to his portrayal. He describes the creative process for a new ballet and the elaborate and intense process of producing Unbound: A Festival of New Works.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcast or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your device!

Header Image: Steven Morse in McIntyre’s Your Flesh Shall Be a Great Poem // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Soloist Steven Morse appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Was Serenade really Balanchine’s first piece in America? And if not, how did that myth come to be? SF Ballet Visiting Scholar James Steichen discusses Balanchine’s early work and the ballets that preceded Serenade, adding a new dimension to one of Balanchine’s most famous ballets.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Play to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your device!

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet in Balanchine’s Serenade // Choreography by George Balanchine © The Balanchine Trust; Photo © Erik Tomasson

The post Pointes of View: James Steichen, PhD appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Corps de ballet member Skyla Schreter discusses Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella^© and some of her favorite moments of SF Ballet’s 2017 Repertory Season.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet in Possokhov’s Diving Into The Lilacs // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Corps de Ballet Member Skyla Schreter appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

George Elvin, is in his 40th season in the Wardrobe Department of the SF Ballet Company, and has announced his retirement following the 2017 Nutcracker season. He reminisces about highlights in his career, including the celebrations of the Company’s 50th and 75th anniversaries. He illustrates the bonds that are shared among dancers and production, recalling a picnic on the Great Wall of China at the end of the 2009 tour.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet backstage before a performance of Tomasson/Possokhov’s Don Quixote // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Head of Men’s Wardrobe George Elvin appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Contemporary music offers choreographers the chance to explore new sonic worlds and take audiences into new states of artistic consciousness. Musicologist Jim Steichen and Music Director and Principal Conductor Martin West discuss the strategies that the conductor and musicians use to prepare music that many in the audience—and on stage—are hearing for the first time.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet in Peck’s In The Countenance Of Kings // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: James Steichen, PhD, and Martin West appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Principal Dancer Mathilde Froustey, in her third season with the Company, discusses learning and dancing George Balanchine’s Theme and Variations and the challenges of Balanchine in general; her role in Alexei Ratmansky’s Seven Sonatas and what she has learned from working with him; and her upcoming debut as Tatiana in John Cranko’s Onegin. Audience questions touch on her training and the differences in dancing story ballets versus abstract works.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet in Ratmansky’s Seven Sonatas // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Principal Dancer Mathilde Froustey appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Soloist Jennifer Stahl discusses working with choreographer William Forsythe during rehearsals for Pas/Parts 2016—an unusual process of learning and relearning and working beyond perceived limits—and how the experience influenced her as a dancer. She also talks about her roles in Yuri Possokhov’s Magrittomania and Liam Scarlett’s Fearful Symmetries, plus dancing a diverse repertory that encompasses story ballets, abstract works, and themed, non-narrative works that suggest a story.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: San Francisco Ballet in Forsythe’s Pas/Parts 2016 // © Erik Tomasson

The post Meet the Artist: Soloist Jennifer Stahl appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Carrie Gaiser Casey, PhD playfully examines the history, choreography, and comedy that make this ballet so compelling for audiences past and present.

Tomasson/Possokhov’s Don Quixote is part of SF Ballet’s 2022 Season. It was performed in Program 3 from February 26–March 6, 2022.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Jennifer Stahl in Tomasson/Possokhov’s Don Quixote // © Erik Tomasson

The post Pointes of View: Carrie Gaiser Casey, PhD appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.

Performance scholar Rebecca Groves, formerly Dramaturg of the Ballett Frankfurt and Executive Director of the Forsythe Foundation, discusses The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude and how it takes up ballet as its subject matter—empowering dancers, developing the tradition in unexpected directions, and engaging audiences in new ways.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices!

Header Image: Jennifer Stahl in Forsythe’s The Vertiginous Thrill Of Exactitude // © Erik Tomasson

The post Pointes of View: Rebecca Groves appeared first on San Francisco Ballet.