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Recent SFB postings: Adult Ballet Summer Workshop "Who decided ballet summer intensives should just be for kids? While SF Ballet performers are on a well-earned break after the London tour, our studios are filled with wonderful students enrolled in our annual Adult Ballet Summer Workshop. Dancers have gathered from across the country for full days of classes led by SF Ballet School Faculty members as well as Principal Dancer Frances Chung; Rubén Martín Cintas; and Tina LeBlanc, who was recently appointed as a Ballet Master at SF Ballet." https://www.instagram.com/p/ByoLnMAl30p/ https://www.sfballet.org/adultworkshop Kids Days at Stern Grove Festival "SF Ballet performs at Stern Grove Festival on July 28. Did you know that from July 23 to 25, 600 kids will come to Stern Grove for free classes in ballet, West African, Bollywood, Latin Dance, and musical theater, all taught by SF Ballet School teaching artists? It’s called “Kids Days,” and pre-registration is required on the Stern Grove website. It will fill up, so register now and we’ll see you at Stern Grove!" https://www.instagram.com/p/ByoI4f3lDEn/ http://www.sterngrove.org/education-and-outreach/#block_14

Here's the original post, Buddy: https://www.instagram.com/p/BsfQ-bTl4IG/ Третьяковская галерея на Крымском валу Tretyakov Gallery on Krymsky Val MK's comment: "with Kukryniks artists" [sic] You can read about the three Kukryniksy artists/cartoonists here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kukryniksy

Yes, two different talents, but one may inform the other. As to Vipa's comment: "Does this mean she is an online media artist...?" I hadn't really thought about it in those terms, but I think she is a new media diarist. I suppose that could be thought of as some type of art. MK's text statements accompanying the photos and videos are quite terse though, so she doesn't seem to think her own commentary is so important. But the visual display certainly must be.

;) Say what you will about her dancing, but MK has the most comprehensive online image diary of any dancer. And the photos are often very entertaining and well composed. It's a wonderful document of the life and interests of a ballet dancer.

For anyone wanting to "learn more", I highly recommend the SFB Blog's "Listen" and "Watch" pages. And the following Conversations on Dance interviews are fun and informative: Mathilde Froustey https://conversationsondancepod.com/2018/06/04/mathilde-froustey/ (Froustey and André are always entertaining - they both have thick accents though, so the English-speaking listener may need to repeat some sections to catch what is being said.) Dores André https://conversationsondancepod.com/2018/04/20/sfb-unbound-dores-andre/ Sasha De Sola https://conversationsondancepod.com/2018/10/30/sasha-de-sola/ Sofiane Sylve https://conversationsondancepod.com/2018/05/07/sofiane-sylve/ I don't think Joseph Walsh ever did a long interview with Breeden and Ferraro but we have these: https://www.facebook.com/sfballet/videos/in-the-studio-learning-coppélia-with-dores-andré-joseph-walsh/10153805513131293/ https://sfballet.blog/2019/joseph-walsh-don-quixote/

Upcoming schedule: Ballet Sun Valley July 5 Program A: Gala-Style Program The Fifth Season Composer: Karl Jenkins Choreographer: Helgi Tomasson Grand Pas Classique Composer: Daniel-François Auber Choreographer: Vicor Gsovsky Concerto Grosso Composer: F. Geminiani after Corelli Choreographer: Helgi Tomasson Pas de Deux from The Sleeping Beauty, Act III Composer: P.I. Tchaikovsky Choreographer: Helgi Tomasson after Petipa UnSaid Composer: Ezio Bosso Choreographer: Danielle Rowe Excerpt from Diving into the Lilacs Composer: Boris Tchaikovsky Choreographer: Yuri Possokhov Pas de Deux from Don Quixote, Act III Composer: Ludwig Minkus Choreographer: Helgi Tomasson and Yuri Possokhov (after Petipa) July 7 Program B: Triple-Bill Program Bespoke Composer: J.S. Bach Choreographer: Stanton Welch Your Flesh Shall Be A Great Poem Composer: Chris Garneau Choreographer: Trey McIntyre Hurry Up, We're Dreaming Composer: Anthony Gonzalez, Yann Gonzalez, Bradley Laner, and Justin Meldal-Johnsen Choreographer: Justin Peck Stern Grove [To be announced] 19th Ave & Sloat Blvd, San Francisco July 28 The Royal Danish Opera House Ekvipagemestervej 10, 1438 København K, Denmark October 30–November 2 Intoxicating world-class poetry and ballet interlace when San Francisco Ballet for the first time gives a guest performance at the Royal Danish Theatre’s Opera House with a production of Romeo & Juliet. Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at 8:00 pm CEST Thursday, October 31, 2019 at 8:00 pm CEST Friday, November 1, 2019 at 8:00 pm CEST Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 1:00 pm CEST ROMEO & JULIET Music: Sergei Prokofiev Choreographer: Helgi Tomasson Scenery and Costume Design: Jens-Jacob Worsaae Lighting Design: Thomas R. Skelton Fight Scene Choreography: Martino Pistone in collaboration with Helgi Tomasson

Another classic image from Kochetkova: "Oslo season done! See you in September!" https://www.instagram.com/p/ByjBcRSB8W2/

Thank you for your thoughts on the performances, Meunier Fan. I just worried that the dancer's energy levels and focus would be sub-par due to massive jet lag. ;) It may have been unwise to schedule so many performances without knowing if the seats could be sold, but I doubt there is any time of year when London doesn't have dozens of arts events happening simultaneously. I guess they just hoped that enough buzz could be generated beforehand to steer people to Sadler's Wells, but I guess that wasn't so.

Yuan Yuan riding the London underground with Angelo Greco and Sasha De Sola to visit the Tate Modern. Natasha Sheehan and other SFB ex-trainees in London. In the background, to the right of Jospeh Wharton - it looks like Koto Ishihara (which is possible because she has been vacationing in Europe). But hard to know for sure.

Kochetkova with Christopher Wheeldon at a Royal Albert Hall performance of his Cinderella... "With Chris aka my Fairy godmother of many years after the performance last night. Thank you for your trust one more time and thank you @rojotamara for inviting me to share this beautiful production with you. It was my come back to @royalalberthall after 12 years. It’s amazing to still see so many familiar faces. 12 yers ago I danced my last show with @englishnationalballet and I was one of 60 swans on stage" https://www.instagram.com/p/ByfsPH0hxJX/

This Wikipedia page says that it is Pyotr Gusev's 1955 version of Le Corsaire that was performed by the Kirov in 1989. Although the original score was composed by Adolphe Adam... "Gusev called upon the conductor Eugene Kornblit to fashion a new score for his production. Although the ballet master retained the traditional interpolations as handed down from Petipa's Imperial-era productions, he discarded nearly all of Adam's original 1856 score in favor of music fashioned from passages lifted from Adam's 1840 ballet L′Écumeur de mer (The Pirate) and his 1852 opera Si j’étais roi. With this new music, leitmotifs were created for the ballet's main characters." Welcome to classical ballet. ;) If you could find a copy of the DVD, it's possible that the titles of the music movements are provided in the printed notes.

Aaron Robison's post about Lauren Strongin says something curious: "A few memories from the one time we danced together! What a joy it was indeed🙏🏻😊 Congratulations to the beautiful person and artist that is @lcstrongin on a remarkable career! " Is it really possible that at both Houston Ballet and SFB, Strongin and Robison were only partners once? https://www.instagram.com/p/BydYp0MFC0H/

FYI: On the ROH.org website I noticed the following post... https://www.roh.org.uk/news/your-reaction-what-did-you-think-of-the-royal-ballets-within-the-golden-hour-medusa-flight-pattern-live-in-cinemas

Posting by Mathilde Froustey: "Lauren [Strongin] ... You are doing today what every dancer fears all their career, today your are dancing your last show and taking your last bow. We’ll miss your presence and your beautiful and refined artistry. I’ll miss your smile and your subtle way to exist in this ballet world." https://www.instagram.com/p/Byc8XtnnRCz/

Alas, it seems not to be - today's posting by Mathilde Froustey: "Lauren ... You are doing today what every dancer fears all their career, today your are dancing your last show and taking your last bow. We’ll miss your presence and your beautiful and refined artistry. I’ll miss your smile and your subtle way to exist in this ballet world." https://www.instagram.com/p/Byc8XtnnRCz/

Program C Mixed Repertory British Theatre Guide San Francisco Ballet Programme C: Bespoke / Hummingbird / Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming --Vera Liber https://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/san-francisco-b-sadler-s-wells-17658 BachTrack A lively evening of pure dance from San Francisco Ballet —Graham Watts https://bachtrack.com/review-welch-scarlett-peck-san-francisco-ballet-sadlers-wells-june-2019 Fjord Review Rigour and Vigour [Program C review] San Francisco Ballet on tour in London —Sara Veale https://www.fjordreview.com/san-francisco-ballet-london/ ——————————————— Program D Mixed Repertory The Guardian San Francisco Ballet: scorching dancers leave their hearts in London The American company visited the UK with four triple bills: here are 10 things we learned from their thrilling season --Lyndsey Winship https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2019/jun/07/san-francisco-ballet-london-10-things-we-learned "The dancers are brilliant. Shout-outs for Sasha De Sola, who transformed from the prim perfection of a pageant queen in Bespoke to earnest, lyrical dancer of Hummingbird in the time it took to change costumes; to Angelo Greco, who landed a double tour with such flawless style it made me laugh out loud; and the infectiously joyful jumping of Wei Wang." Culture Whisper San Francisco Ballet Programme D Review —Teresa Guerreiro https://www.culturewhisper.com/r/dance/san_francisco_ballet_programmeD_sadlers/14091 Dance Tabs San Francisco Ballet – Your Flesh Shall Be a Great Poem, Bound To, Anima Animus – London —Lynette Halewood https://dancetabs.com/2019/06/san-francisco-ballet-your-flesh-shall-be-a-great-poem-bound-to-anima-animus-london/ BachTrack Pure dance with joyful power: San Francisco Ballet closes Sadler's Wells residency —Graham Watts https://bachtrack.com/review-mcintyre-wheeldon-dawson-san-francisco-ballet-sadlers-wells-june-2019

Former SFB Corps member Quinn B Wharton continues to focus on a career in photography and videography. SFB dancers are often featured in his work… "I watched a small kid this morning break it down on a stage in front of 500 people with absolutely no fear. I won’t claim to know what he was feeling, but he certainly didn’t seem to be holding back. It’s funny to me that as a kid that same age I would have hated to do the same thing. I had already started training in dance, was already performing, and still would avoid the spotlight. I had to have the construct of a routine, or direction to wear as armor to perform in front of others. I had to be invited up and needed permission to perform. Currently working on trying to get rid of that mindset. We spend a lot of time and energy making sure we don’t make others uncomfortable. We follow the appropriate rules for the appropriate spaces. As I look around me and see who has really made an impact and who seems genuinely content they all seem to not bother so deeply with the status quo. I don’t mean to claim they’re all rebels and free spirits. Instead I think they just waste less time thinking about how they affect others and instead just let them know how they feel and move on. Less deliberating and more action taking." Dores Andre https://www.instagram.com/p/ByDrY0RAyGK/ https://www.instagram.com/p/BiAOIKqAy6S/ Lizzy Powell https://www.instagram.com/p/BhaFtN9BwxS/ http://www.quinnwharton.com/sylvierooddesigns/l8h7q07mnehwny8clltp0laj5umenw Isabella Walsh https://www.instagram.com/p/Bka4jWRgjfi/ WanTing Zhao http://www.quinnwharton.com/wanting Wharton's personal website/online gallery: http://www.quinnwharton.com/ QW's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/qwharton/?hl=en

Just as a point of interest: Maria Kochetkova is currently rehearsing at the Royal Albert Hall in Wheeldon's Cinderella (originally created on SFB and Dutch National Ballet). https://www.royalalberthall.com/about-the-hall/news/2019/may/behind-the-scenes-of-cinderella-in-the-round-meet-our-heroines/ I don't know whether she has taken the time to meet up with any of her SFB friends, or see any of their performances at Sadler's Wells. Madison Keesler used one of her two off nights to see the Royal Ballet and meet old friends from her time in England.

San Francisco Ballet Names Kelly Tweeddale As Executive Director Tweeddale has held previous executive positions at Seattle Opera and currently serves as President of Vancouver Symphony and VSO School of Music. Kelly Tweeddale assumes her new role at San Francisco Ballet on September 3, 2019. https://www.sfballet.org/about/media-center/press-releases/2019_Executive_Director_Tweeddale "...Tweeddale studied with Ruthanna Boris, a former Balanchine protégé as she pursued her degree in Communications and Advertising at the University of Washington. Her first administrative arts role was with an improvisational dance company in the early 1980s that produced impromptu performances long before pop-up performances and flash mobs were a trend." Welcome, and best of luck to Ms. Tweeddale.

That's one of the reasons I added that quote - but it's not really possible to know one way or another what her plans are, since she's made no more public statements. She can leave whenever she has arranged to leave (assuming it's a done deal). It would be great to see Strongin dance again next year though.

I've posted the available critic's reviews here: https://balletalert.invisionzone.com/topic/44838-san-francisco-ballet-at-sadler’s-wells-london-2019/

It can be endlessly entertaining to read the reviews of contemporary ballet works - one person's thrilling, brave new world is another person's waste of time, money and talent. We are at the midway point [June 4, 2019] of SFB's London appearance, and so I have cobbled together the various reviews I was able to find. I will update the list in a few days. Samples: "Sasha De Sola, Mathilde Froustey and Yuan Yuan Tan are the three loves: all divine, but it was a special pleasure to be able to revisit the sublime grace of Froustey’s exceptional artistry and Tan is another of the great ballerinas of our time." "There is a hint of subtext as established star, Sofiane Sylve, and rising star, Wona Park are positioned both in contrast and in harmony. It may have been first night uncertainty, but the chemistry didn’t ignite, and it was only in the final moments that Park displayed her talents in blistering turns and jumps." "Throughout the trilogy, the performance of the Royal Ballet Sinfonia – conducted by West – was a delight but one must single out the pianism of Mungunchimeg Buriad and the trumpet playing of Michael Allen for special praise." "Maybe it’s not Pita’s intention but Björk Ballet doesn’t feel very true to the spirit of the Icelandic icon. Her music can be deeply romantic and intimate, but she’s never resorted to sexy cliche. Yet here, her song Bachelorette comes with flesh and harem pants like an X-rated Aladdin." "[The Infinite Ocean] Although an ensemble piece, the individuality of many dancers shines through in the group dances of reduced personnel. Tiit Helimets is a commanding central male presence and Sofiane Sylve, Madison Keesler (great to see her back in London) and Lauren Strongin are notable amongst the women." "Shostakovich was undeniably the evening's victor as well, with his glorious and complex music firmly established as fit fare for ballet (and competently played by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia under Martin West). But a different, less sleek and beautiful, company might have given an even better account of it." Shostakovich Trilogy Bachtrack Ratmansky's Shostakovich Trilogy opens San Francisco Ballet residency at Sadler's Wells —Graham Watts https://bachtrack.com/review-ratmansky-shostakovich-trilogy-san-francisco-ballet-sadlers-wells-may-2019 Seeing Dance A thrilling start for San Francisco Ballet with Alexei Ratmansky’s Shostakovich Trilogy —Maggie Foyer http://www.seeingdance.com/san-francisco-ballet-shostakovich-trilogy-30052019/ The Times Review: San Francisco Ballet at Sadler’s Wells —Debra Craine The American company launches its return to London with a triple bill of fascinating works by Alexei Ratmansky https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/review-san-francisco-ballet-at-sadlers-wells-klr9rcg7n Independent San Francisco Ballet, Sadler’s Wells, review: Sunny, athletic and assured -Zoë Anderson A mix of fresh dance invention, particularly in gorgeous work for the corps de ballet, and thoughtful exploration https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/san-francisco-ballet-sadlers-wells-theatre-review-bjork-a8936571.html Go London San Francisco Ballet – Shostakovich Trilogy review: Dashing moves infused with rebel spirit —Emma Byrne https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/arts/san-francisco-ballet-shostakovich-trilogy-review-a4155061.html Culture Whisper San Francisco Ballet Programme A Review —Teresa Guerreiro https://www.culturewhisper.com/r/dance/san_francisco_ballet_programmeA_review/14018 The Arts Desk Shostakovich Trilogy, San Francisco Ballet, Sadler's Wells review - less than the sum of its parts —Hanna Weibye https://theartsdesk.com/dance/shostakovich-trilogy-san-francisco-ballet-sadlers-wells-review-less-sum-its-parts The Stage San Francisco Ballet: Shostakovich Trilogy review at Sadler’s Wells, London – ‘crisp technique’ https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/2019/san-francisco-ballet-shostakovich-trilogy-review-at-sadlers-wells-london-crisp-technique/ ——————————————— Program B Mixed Repertory The Guardian San Francisco Ballet review – California dreaming and a Björk nightmare —Lyndsey Winship https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2019/jun/03/san-francisco-ballet-review-shostakovich-edith-wharton-bjork Culture Whisper San Francisco Ballet Programme B Review —Teresa Guerreiro https://www.culturewhisper.com/r/dance/san_francisco_ballet_programmeb_sadlers/14041 Seen and Heard International San Francisco Ballet’s Opening Triple Bills at Sadler’s Wells —John O’Dwyer http://seenandheard-international.com/2019/06/san-francisco-ballets-opening-triple-bills-at-sadlers-wells/ DanceTabs San Francisco Ballet – The Infinite Ocean, Snowblind, Björk Ballet – London —Graham Watts https://dancetabs.com/2019/06/san-francisco-ballet-the-infinite-ocean-snowblind-bjork-ballet-london/ The Times Review: San Francisco Ballet, programme B at Sadler’s Wells The offerings on this triple bill range from dramatically muted, to forceful, to bordering on crazy —Debra Craine https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/review-san-francisco-ballet-programme-b-at-sadlers-wells-wkmz5vwgt Go London San Francisco Ballet – Liang/ Marston/ Pita review: Strange scenes from a goldmine of dance talent —Emma Byrne https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/arts/san-francisco-ballet-review-sadlers-wells-a4157626.html The Arts Desk San Francisco Ballet, Liang/Marston/Pita, Sadler's Wells - elemental, ethereal and kitschy, too --Matt Wolf https://theartsdesk.com/dance/san-francisco-ballet-liangmarstonpita-sadlers-wells-elemental-ethereal-and-kitschy-too

Maria Kochetkova posted some specific information about the needs of the school on Instagram: “The Marat Daukayev School of Ballet is being forced to vacate the studios we have called home for the last 19 years. The building was sold, and we must leave by June 30th, which means that 300 children and more than 6000 ballet costumes are urgently in need of a new home. No matter where we land, we will need to install ballet flooring, mirrors, and barres, which we estimate will cost $68,000 in total. As we face the challenge of holding the school together while maintaining classes in separate locations and juggling the transition to a permanent space, we anticipate an additional $55,000 in costs just to get us through the Christmas season. Our students eagerly anticipate The Nutcracker every year, and this year our friend and frequent guest ballerina, Maria Kochetkova, has assured us we can count on her to join our performance as the Sugar Plum Fairy. We simply must raise these funds so that the show and the school can go on. Our talented, hard-working students have waited years to assume the roles they’re slated for this Christmas and now it is time for them to take the stage. Thank you for helping us make their dreams a reality. With love, Marat and Pamela Daukayev Marat Daukayev School of Ballet” https://www.instagram.com/p/ByNhlSmBNeu/ The MD School really needs to set up a crowdfunding page so that the financial goals, the amount(s) raised, and 'rewards' offered to the donors (if any) are all very clear to everyone.

Paul Parish posted a nice description/review of the SFB School's graduation recital (3 shows) at the Bay Area Reporter: https://www.ebar.com/arts_&_culture/dance//276764 "The most compelling performer all night was a still-developing dancer, Zoe Zulich [sic - should be Lucich], who commanded the stage like a queen and drew your eye at all times. Without the technical chops of some of the stronger women, she nevertheless projected an idea, the Princess Isoline, so vividly, her light shone so bright, that whenever she was offstage you missed her, and when she came back she created the focal point."

Very sad to see another venerable publication go under. Crowdfunding would also help with finances, but finding a younger staff, willing to work for little or nothing, is obviously not easy. It's all about finding the right individuals (essentially writers that have another sufficient source of income).