sf_herminator
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An interview with Annabelle Lopez Ochoa has been posted on the company's YouTube channel:
On another note, I attended last night's Opening Gala (it was fabulous, will try to post a brief blurb in the gala topic). Before the second half began, Helgi came out to talk briefly about Unbound: A Festival of New Works. The following video was also shown:
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IG post by Frances:
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Casting for the gala performance has been posted (https://www.sfballet.org/season/casting):
OPENING NIGHT GALA
Thursday, January 18, 2018 - 8 pmLITTLE WALTZ
Composer: Eric Coates
Choreographer: Helgi TomassonStudents of San Francisco Ballet School
IN THE NIGHT
Composer: Frédéric Chopin
Choreographer: Jerome RobbinsMathilde Froustey, Benjamin Freemantle*
Jennifer Stahl, Tiit Helimets
Sarah Van Patten, Luke InghamBluebird Pas de Deux from THE SLEEPING BEAUTY
Composer: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Choreographer: Helgi Tomasson after Marius PetipaDores André, Wei Wang*
SF Ballet Premiere
Pas de Deux from CHILDREN OF CHAOS
Composer: John Kameel Farah
Choreographer: Robert BinetFrances Chung, Joseph Walsh
STARS AND STRIPES Pas de Deux
Composer: John Philip Sousa
Choreographer: George BalanchineAna Sophia Scheller*, Vitor Luiz*
INTERMISSION
SF Ballet Premiere
LETTING GO
Composer: Max Richter
Choreographer: Edwaard LiangYuan Yuan Tan, Carlo Di Lanno*
Pas de Deux from LA SYLPHIDE
Composer: Herman Lovenskjold
Choreography: August BournonvilleMaria Kochetkova, Ulrik Birkkjaer
LE CORSAIRE Pas de Deux
Composer: Riccardo Drigo
Choreography: after Marius PetipaSasha De Sola, Angelo Greco
SF Ballet Premiere
RODEO: FOUR DANCE EPISODES
Composer: Aaron Copland
Choreographer: Justin PeckSofiane Sylve*, Carlo Di Lanno*
Initial reactions:
*how wonderful to have two full pieces: Robbins' In The Night and Peck's Rodeo. Bravo to Ben Freemantle debuting in the Night's opening Pas De Deux partnering Mathilde Froustey. And how great to see Rodeo before its inclusion in Program 2.
*Great to see a new (to SFB) choreographer - Robert Binet. IIRC Frances and/or Joe posted pic on Instagram when they were working with the choreographer, I'll have to go look.
Not sure if I will be able to go to the performance as I will be volunteering at both the dinner and the after party as a member of BRAVO.
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58 minutes ago, Dreamer said:
San Francisco Ballet announced that soloist James Sofranko will become the new artistic director of Grand Rapids Ballet in Michigan starting July 1, 2018.
Sofranko said, "I'm so grateful that Helgi gave me the opportunity to work for such a world-class company 18 years ago and I have learned so much from my experience with SF Ballet. I will miss San Francisco, and performing on the Opera House stage for our dedicated audiences, but I am excited for the next stage of my artistic life as a director, choreographer, curator, and producer of dance."
Saw SF Ballet's Instagram posts:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdlIkXGlJhT/?taken-by=sfballet
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdlIiBJlbhk/?taken-by=sfballet
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdlIg63lz_s/?taken-by=sfballet
Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/sfballet/photos/a.209483166292.171774.27923251292/10155711648506293/?type=3&theater
Pointe Magazine link: http://www.pointemagazine.com/grand-rapids-ballet-new-director-2522527761.html
Of course I am sad to see Jim leave, but this is always inevitable. Thankful for his many memorable performances and excited for this new opportunity. Congratulations Jim!!
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Principal Dancer Angelo Greco has been named by Dance Magazine as one of the 25 to watch in 2018:
Link to Angelo: http://www.dancemagazine.com/25-to-watch-angelo-greco-2513585195.html?version=15689707&draft=1
Link to the full list: http://www.dancemagazine.com/25-to-watch-2018-2515449573.html
Definitely a well-deserved honor. He arrived with a splash last year, joining as a Soloist and promoted to Principal after the first two programs last season. Wonderful performances in Nutcracker, Ratmansky's Seven Sonatas, Scarlett's Frankenstein, and Balanchine's Prodigal Son are among many fine moments last season.
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More additional casting for 12/26 & 12/27:
Tuesday, December 26, 2017 - 2 pm
Choreography: Helgi Tomasson
Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Conductor: Ming LukeDrosselmeyer: Ricardo Bustamante
Queen and King of the Snow: Jennifer Stahl, Tiit Helimets
Sugar Plum Fairy: Jahna Frantziskonis
Grand Pas de Deux: Frances Chung, Vitor Luiz
Tuesday, December 26, 2017 - 7 pm
Choreography: Helgi Tomasson
Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Conductor: Ming LukeDrosselmeyer: Val Caniparoli
Queen and King of the Snow: Dores André, Luke Ingham
Sugar Plum Fairy: Sofiane Sylve
Grand Pas de Deux: WanTing Zhao, Ulrik Birkkjaer
Wednesday, December 27, 2017 - 2 pm
Choreography: Helgi Tomasson
Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Conductor: Martin WestDrosselmeyer: Ricardo Bustamante
Queen and King of the Snow: Frances Chung, Vitor Luiz
Sugar Plum Fairy: Mathilde Froustey
Grand Pas de Deux: Ana Sophia Scheller, Angelo Greco
Wednesday, December 27, 2017 - 7 pm
Choreography: Helgi Tomasson
Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Conductor: Ming LukeDrosselmeyer: Rubén Martín Cintas
Queen and King of the Snow: Sasha De Sola, Carlo Di Lanno
Sugar Plum Fairy: Dores André
Grand Pas de Deux: Maria Kochetkova, Joseph WalshNo debuts, but a new pairing: Wan-TIng Zhao & Ulrik Birkkjaer in the Grand PDD on Tue evening. So sorry I won't get to see it.
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On 12/18/2017 at 1:56 PM, pherank said:
How did the performance look overall? Any particularly great (or shaky) moments for the soloists/Corps? Have you seen Scheller dance yet? Her pairing with Greco should be exciting.
I've seen 2.5 performances so far: I saw Sat evening, Sun evening, and Act 1 only last night. FULL DISCLOSURE: I am a member of the ballet's volunteer organization. During the Nutcracker run, I will work in the gift shop for 4 performances, plus the selfie booth at last night's performance (hence only seeing the first act last night and went home after intermission). Overall the company looks wonderful (not surprisingly). I did see Scheller and Greco on Saturday night and they were wonderful. It makes me excited for Sleeping Beauty and to seeing Scheller in other performances this coming season.
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From Pointe Magazine: http://www.pointemagazine.com/standouts-2017-sfb-strongin-cauthorn-2515975370.html
Amazing to read that Max only learned the lead role in a short amount of time. Max debuted as the Nutcracker Prince in the Sunday matinee (which I didn't catch). I have seen Lauren in a variety of roles since she joined and am impressed each time. Congratulations to both!!!
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Additional casting 12/21-12/24:
Thursday, December 21, 2017 - 2 pm
Choreography: Helgi Tomasson
Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Conductor: Stuart ChafetzDrosselmeyer: Pascal Molat
Queen and King of the Snow: Koto Ishihara, Hansuke Yamamoto
Sugar Plum Fairy: Frances Chung
Grand Pas de Deux: Sarah Van Patten, Ulrik Birkkjaer
Thursday, December 21, 2017 - 7 pm
Choreography: Helgi Tomasson
Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Conductor: Martin WestDrosselmeyer: Pascal Molat
Queen and King of the Snow: Maria Kochetkova, Joseph Walsh
Sugar Plum Fairy: Sasha De Sola
Grand Pas de Deux: Sofiane Sylve, Tiit Helimets
Friday, December 22, 2017 - 2 pm
Choreography: Helgi Tomasson
Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Conductor: Stuart ChafetzDrosselmeyer: Ricardo Bustamante
Queen and King of the Snow: Sasha De Sola, Carlo Di Lanno
Sugar Plum Fairy: Koto Ishihara*
Grand Pas de Deux: Mathilde Froustey, Luke Ingham
Friday, December 22, 2017 - 7 pm
Choreography: Helgi Tomasson
Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Conductor: Martin WestDrosselmeyer: Val Caniparoli
Queen and King of the Snow: Lauren Strongin, Wei Wang
Sugar Plum Fairy: Sarah Van Patten
Grand Pas de Deux: Maria Kochetkova, Joseph Walsh
Saturday, December 23, 2017 - 2 pm
Choreography: Helgi Tomasson
Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Conductor: Martin WestDrosselmeyer: Val Caniparoli
Queen and King of the Snow: Sarah Van Patten, Ulrik Birkkjaer
Sugar Plum Fairy: Dores André
Grand Pas de Deux: Frances Chung, Vitor Luiz
Saturday, December 23, 2017 - 7 pm
Choreography: Helgi Tomasson
Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Conductor: Stuart ChafetzDrosselmeyer: Rubén Martín Cintas
Queen and King of the Snow: Yuan Yuan Tan, Carlo Di Lanno
Sugar Plum Fairy: Sofiane Sylve
Grand Pas de Deux: Ana Sophia Scheller, Angelo Greco
Sunday, December 24, 2017 - 11 am
Choreography: Helgi Tomasson
Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Conductor: Stuart ChafetzDrosselmeyer: Rubén Martín Cintas
Queen and King of the Snow: Frances Chung, Vitor Luiz
Sugar Plum Fairy: Maria Kochetkova
Grand Pas de Deux: Jennifer Stahl*, Tiit Helimets
Sunday, December 24, 2017 - 4 pm
Choreography: Helgi Tomasson
Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Conductor: Martin WestDrosselmeyer: Ricardo Bustamante
Queen and King of the Snow: Mathilde Froustey, Jaime Garcia Castilla
Sugar Plum Fairy: Ana Sophia Scheller
Grand Pas de Deux: Sasha De Sola, Carlo Di LannoNotable debuts: Koto Ishihara as Sugar Plum Fairy, Jennifer Stahl in Grand PDD
Notable pairing: Mathilde Froustey & Jaime Garcia Castilla as Queen & King of the Snow on the 4 PM Christmas Eve performance. I don't think I have ever seen them dance together.
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Soloist Wei Wang interviewed on Asian Pacific America talking about Nutcracker along with a brief clip of him in the solo in the Grand PDD:
Facebook link on SFB page: https://www.facebook.com/sfballet/posts/10155664358091293
NBC Bay Area link: https://www.nbcbayarea.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Nutcracker-at-San-Francisco-Ballet_Bay-Area-463779783.html
On a side note: I had the opportunity to see his debut as the Nutcracker Prince last year and see him last night as the King of the Snow. I remember the first time I saw him in Chinese when he was still an Apprentice and it has been wonderful to see his rise in the company.
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1 hour ago, cubanmiamiboy said:
Hello! I just arrived in London today, and stopped by the ROH box office right on time to snatch a last minute returned ticked for Osipova's Sylvia this Saturday. Her Aminta will be Muntagirov.😍😍😍
Will report back!
Awesome!! Can't wait for your report!!
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20 minutes ago, pherank said:
Thanks so much!
Julia Rowe, Jahna Frantziskonis, Yuan Yuan Tan, Sofiane Sylve and Tiit Helimets (and others) all appear briefly in the rehearsal footage.
There's an audio issue for me - I'm going to investigate if this exists in all browsers - but Ewaard's voice trakc is very quiet in relation to the video's background music so he is hard to hear. I'm not sure why it was released that way; normally that kind of audio levels issue is fixable.
Yes, I was very happy to see the other dancers in his piece as he only showed Yuan Yuan & Vitor in their PDD during the first Unbound webcast. Also, after hearing Edwaard's inspiration for the piece I am even more excited to see the final work.
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A video of Edwaard LIang discussing his Unbound work The Infinite Ocean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uce4M-9RCVU
The Unbound page (https://www.sfballet.org/unbound) hasn't been updated, but should be soon.
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Casting is up for opening night on Wednesday 12/13 (https://www.sfballet.org/season/casting):
NUTCRACKER
Wednesday, December 13, 2017 - 7 pmChoreography: Helgi Tomasson
Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Conductor: Martin WestDrosselmeyer: Rubén Martín Cintas
Queen and King of the Snow: Frances Chung, Vitor Luiz
Sugar Plum Fairy: Sasha De Sola
Grand Pas de Deux: Maria Kochetkova, Joseph Walsh -
In addition to now dancing with Diablo Ballet
Jordan Hammond Tilton is also now a member of the faculty: https://www.sfballet.org/school/about/faculty/jordan_hammond-tilton. During the fall session, she taught the Beginning/Intermediate Adult Drop-in class on Monday evening and Sunday afternoons. I had the pleasure of taking her class yesterday and she is a really wonderful instructor. Very positive energy and explained things really well, had a pleasant way of making corrections, encouraged questions, and made the class fun!! I hope to take her class again soon. Unfortunately, she will not be teaching next Sunday as she will be performing (but didn't get the info - sorry folks).
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On 10/10/2017 at 5:29 AM, miliosr said:
Ex-San Francisco Ballet member Moises Martin (brother of Ruben) has an interesting post on his Instagram feed today. It doesn't qualify as official "news" but you might want to check it out.
Moises's IG account is private and I can't find him anywhere on the Atlanta Ballet website. However, Ruben tagged Moises in this post: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb-H4jTHz6T/?taken-by=rubenmartincintas
Would love to know what Moises is doing....
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From Dance Magazine: A Q&A with Muriel Maffre shortly after she was named CEO of Alonzo King Lines Ballet:
http://www.dancemagazine.com/ballerina-to-ceo-muriel-maffre-2513788955.html
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This was announced a few weeks ago, but hasn't been posted here yet.
Former Principal Dancer Muriel Maffre has been named Chief Executive Officer of Alonzo King Lines Ballet:
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The programs for Unbound: A Festival of New Works have been announced:
Program A: Alonzo King, Christopher Wheeldon, Justin Peck
https://www.sfballet.org/season/2018-repertory/2018-unbound-a
Program B; Myles Thatcher, Cathy Marston, David Dawson
https://www.sfballet.org/season/2018-repertory/2018-unbound-b
Program C: Stanton Welch, Trey McIntyre, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
https://www.sfballet.org/season/2018-repertory/2018-unbound-c
Program D: Edwaard Liang, Dwight Rhoden, Arthur Pita
https://www.sfballet.org/season/2018-repertory/2018-unbound-d
More information: https://www.sfballet.org/unbound#schedule
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As mentioned in this article from May http://www.sfchronicle.com/performance/article/Feijoo-taking-her-final-steps-at-SF-Ballet-11065862.php, Lorena will be working with SF Opera. First, she will be dancing in La Traviata. Following that, she will debut as Lola Montez in John Adams' Girls of the Golden West.
Casting is up for La Traviata https://sfopera.com/1718season/201718-season/traviata/, and Lorena is listed as a solo dancer. She even has a bio page: https://sfopera.com/about-us/people/bios/artists/lorena-feijoo/.
Here is the info for Girls of the Golden West, including casting: https://sfopera.com/1718season/201718-season/goldenwest/.
I will definitely try to see La Traviata some time during the run, and also looking forward to Girls of the Golden West.
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On 9/1/2017 at 1:46 PM, pherank said:
From SFB:
A new trio of choreographers will be featured in our upcoming Unbound LIVE. This broadcast, the third in our series of live streams, offers an early look at the brand-new ballets that Alonzo King, Cathy Marston, and Trey McIntyre are creating now with our dancers.
Tune in September 8 at 5:30 pm on our Facebook page or on our website.
Curious? Join us. #Unbound2018SFB was just live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sfballet/videos/10155389031686293/
Jennifer (host of the prior Unbound webcasts) briefly talks with Joseph Walsh and Lonnie Weeks (who were in the last webcast working on the pieces by Justin Peck & Christopher Wheeldon) plus Benjamin Freemantle (who is working with Trey McIntyre).
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Justin Peck posted a little preview of his piece on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/BX5zA1fH5Pc/?hl=en&taken-by=justin_peck
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On 7/27/2017 at 5:16 PM, sf_herminator said:
The next 3 choreographers who will start to create their pieces and be part of the August 18 broadcast: Alonzo King, Justin Peck and Christopher Wheeldon. https://www.sfballet.org/season/events/unbound-2018/unbound-live.
For the second round of Unbound, Myles Thatcher is now listed as the third choreographer: https://www.facebook.com/events/942197712585438/?acontext={"ref"%3A"2"%2C"ref_dashboard_filter"%3A"upcoming"%2C"action_history"%3A"[{\"surface\"%3A\"dashboard\"%2C\"mechanism\"%3A\"main_list\"%2C\"extra_data\"%3A[]}]"}
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXVwKLTFS6P/?taken-by=sfballet
Christopher Wheeldon and Justin Peck have been posting on Instagram while here in SF (unfortunately, no peeks at what they have been working on):
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXeN-TSB5ZF/?taken-by=wheeldony
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXeRq-NAWFx/?taken-by=justin_peck
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The next 3 choreographers who will start to create their pieces and be part of the August 18 broadcast: Alonzo King, Justin Peck and Christopher Wheeldon. https://www.sfballet.org/season/events/unbound-2018/unbound-live.
Edwaard Liang posted this pic on Instagram (link here is from FB): https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156560442074478&set=p.10156560442074478&type=3&theater
Yesterday's broadcast was also posted on SFB's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTHLx-97iDo
SFB 2018: Sleeping Beauty
in San Francisco Ballet
Posted
Also to note in the updated casting: Friday night has Kochetkova partnered by Carlo Di Lanno.
At last night's gala prior to the start, there was a change in the evening's program announced. Because of the noise, all I could make out was Joseph Walsh. Of course, I was a bit alarmed as he was supposed to partner Frances in the Robert Binet piece. But he did dance with Frances. When I looked at the casting sheet, he was also listed in Peck's Rodeo: Four Dance Episodes (as part of the male quintet). When that piece came on, it was Jaime Garcia Castilla dancing in place of Walsh. I do hope he is OK and hopefully will be able to dance Sleeping Beauty towards the end of the run.