Onstage at the War Memorial Opera House from April 5–19
(SAN FRANCISCO, CA) April 3, 2025—San Francisco Ballet (SF Ballet) today announced details for its upcoming mixed-bill program honoring the legacy and imagination of esteemed Dutch choreographer Hans van Manen, whose works have left an indelible mark on the world of dance. The program includes a selection of van Manen’s most dynamic, celebrated ballets: Grosse Fuge, Variations for Two Couples, Solo, and, making its San Francisco premiere, 5 Tango’s. The works, curated by Artistic Director Tamara Rojo, offer elegant classical and contemporary styles set to captivating scores from composers such as Astor Piazzolla, Bach, and Beethoven. This innovative program also highlights van Manen’s striking, humanistic vision and profound exploration of human connection. Known for his crisp technique and unparalleled musicality, van Manen’s choreography reflects a deep understanding of movement and emotion.
“Hans van Manen is the most important choreographer of the Dutch tradition, and we are thrilled to bring four works from his oeuvre to San Francisco,” says Rojo. “His legacy is unparalleled, shaping what we think of now as the signature Dutch style. What appears to be simple choreography is actually quite difficult to perform. Focused on musicality and powerful exchanges of energy between humans, these works allow the Company to showcase their charisma, top-tier virtuosity, and individuality. It’s a wonderful opportunity to witness SF Ballet’s dancers take on a uniquely European style.”
Casting for this program is now available. Making their role debuts are Principal dancers Dores André, Max Cauthorn, Sasha De Sola, Nikisha Fogo, Jasmine Jimison, Wona Park, Jennifer Stahl, Joseph Walsh, Wei Wang, Soloists Fernando Carratalá Coloma, Joshua Jack Price, Julia Rowe, and Corps de Ballet members Rubén Cítores Nieto and Nathaniel Remez in Grosse Fuge; Principal dancers Esteban Hernández, Harrison James, Jimison, Soloist Katherine Barkman, and Corps de Ballet member Adrian Zeisel in Variations for Two Couples; Corps de Ballet members Luca Ferrò, Lleyton Ho, and Archie Sullivan in Solo; and Principal dancer Park, Soloists Barkman and Price, and Corps de Ballet member Mingxuan Wang as the principal couple in 5 Tango’s.
TICKETS & PERFORMANCE DATES
‘Van Manen: Dutch Grandmaster’ is onstage at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco from April 5–19. Tickets start at $35 (+ $14 per order handling fee) and are available for purchase at sfballet.org. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling Ticket Services at 415-865-2000, open Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm. Casting and prices are subject to change.
Saturday, April 5 at 8 pm
Sunday, April 6 at 2 pm
Wednesday, April 9 at 7:30 pm
Friday, April 11 at 8 pm
Tuesday, April 15 at 7:30 pm
Thursday, April 17 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 19 at 2 pm
PRODUCTION DETAILS
Grosse Fuge
Choreographer: Hans van Manen
Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
Supervised by: Rachel Beaujean
Staged by: Ricardo Bustamante
Scenic Design: Jean-Paul Vroom
Costume Design: Hans van Manen
Lighting Design: Jan Hofstra
World Premiere: April 17, 1971—Nederlands Dans Theater; Scheveningen, The Netherlands
SF Ballet Premiere: February 24, 2004—War Memorial Opera House; San Francisco, California
Variations for Two Couples
Choreographer: Hans van Manen
Composers: Benjamin Britten, Einojuhani Rautavaara, Stevan Kovacs Tickmayer after Johann Sebastian Bach, and Astor Piazzolla
Staged by: Rachel Beaujean and Felipe Diaz
Scenic and Costume Design: Keso Dekker
Lighting Design: Bert Dalhuysen
World Premiere: February 15, 2012—Dutch National Ballet, Het Muziektheater; Amsterdam, The Netherlands
SF Ballet Premiere: January 22, 2014—San Francisco Ballet 81st Anniversary Gala; War Memorial Opera House; San Francisco, California
Solo
Choreographer: Hans van Manen
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Supervised by: Rachel Beaujean
Staged by: Felipe Diaz
Costume Design: Keso Dekker
Lighting Design: Joop Caboort
World Premiere: January 16, 1997—Lucent Danstheater; The Hague, The Netherlands
SF Ballet Premiere: February 4, 1999—War Memorial Opera House; San Francisco, California
5 Tango’s (San Francisco Premiere)
Choreographer: Hans van Manen
Composer: Astor Piazzolla
Supervised by: Rachel Beaujean
Staged by: Felipe Diaz
Scenic and Costume Design: Jean-Paul Vroom
Lighting Design: Jan Hofstra
World Premiere: November 3, 1977—Dutch National Ballet; Het Muziektheater; Amsterdam, The Netherlands
SF Ballet Premiere: July 26, 2024—Frost Amphitheater; Stanford, California
CONTACT
Public Relations, San Francisco Ballet
press@sfballet.org
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ABOUT SAN FRANCISCO BALLET
San Francisco Ballet, led by Artistic Director Tamara Rojo, is a world-leading ballet company and a trailblazing commissioner, collaborator, and presenter in dance. With a deep commitment to new and contemporary works and the classical repertoire, SF Ballet is a catalyst for the future of ballet, investing in commissions and acquisitions; presenting established and emerging choreographers with a breadth of viewpoints; uplifting dancers, artists, and creatives across disciplines; and cultivating the next generation of the world’s top dancers in its School.