sf_herminator

Link to official press release: https://www.sfballet.org/about/media-center/press-releases/18_CompanyMembers Two new principal dancers: Ulrik Birkkjaer (from the Royal Danish Ballet) and Ana Sophia Scheller (from New York City Ballet) join the Company as principal dancers. Previously announced: Jennifer Stahl promoted from soloist to principal dancer. No additional soloists to the ones announced earlier: Previously announced were the promotions of corps dancers Isabella DeVivo, Jahna Frantziskonis, Esteban Hernandez, and Steven Morse. Plus Max Cauthorn, whose promotion was effective immediately when announced in March (the other promotions were for the 2017-18 season). New Corps Dancers: Solomon Golding, Gabriela Gonzalez, Blake Johnston, Madison Keesler, Wona Park, and Joseph Warton have joined SF Ballet as corps de ballet members. Additionally, all five apprentices from last season (Alexandre Cagnat, Shené Lazarus, Davide Occhipinti, Nathaniel Remez, and Isabella Walsh) have been promoted to the Corps. Apprentices for 2017-18: Ethan Chudnow, Anatalia Hordov, Carmela Mayo, Swane Messaoudi, Larisa Nugent, and Benjamin Pearson of SF Ballet School have been promoted to the rank of apprentice. Missing from last year's roster (some of these were already known, others are a bit of a surprise): Principals: Lorena Feijoo, Davit Karapetyan, Vanessa Zahorian, Taras Domitro, Carlos Quenedit, and Aaron Robison Soloists: Francisco Mungamba, Anthony VIncent Corps: Jordan Hammond, Lee Alex Meyer Lorey Initial reaction: Very surprised to see Francisco gone. NIce to see Madison Keesler returning. Here's a link to Ana Sophia Scheller's bio: http://www.nycballet.com/Dancers/Dancers-Bios/Ana-Sophia-Scheller.aspx Solomon Golding's bio from Royal Ballet website: http://www.roh.org.uk/people/solomon-golding Gabriela Gonzalez's bio from Tulsa Ballet: https://tulsaballet.org/company/dancers/gabriela-gonzalez/ Even though we are familiar with her, here is Madison's bio from the English National Ballet website: https://www.ballet.org.uk/people/madison-keesler/

On SFB's FB page, they have announced that Taras Domitro & Carlos Quenedit are leaving at the end of the season: In an article (http://www.sfchronicle.com/performance/article/Feijoo-taking-her-final-steps-at-SF-Ballet-11065862.php) on Lorena Feijoo's pending retirement, the writer had hinted at other possible departures. I am sad to see Taras & Carlos leave, which means the Cuban contingent will be gone at the end of the season. Taras will be moving to Miami and freelancing, while Carlos will be opening a school in Mexico. I will always remember Carlos as Basilio (with Mathilde Froustey as Kitri) in Don Q. Taras could always light up a gala with his gravity-defying jumps and spins. Gracias y buena suerte!!!!

Casting for opening night has been posted (https://www.sfballet.org/season/casting - Casting for upcoming performances will be updated on this page as the information becomes available. In the event of injury or illness, casting is subject to change.): PROGRAM 08 - CINDERELLA© Friday, April 28, 2017 - 8 pm Composer: Sergei Prokofiev Choreographer: Christopher Wheeldon Conductor: Martin West Cinderella: Frances Chung Prince Guillaume: Joseph Walsh Stepmother: Jennifer Stahl Stepsister Edwina: Sasha De Sola Stepsister Clementine: Dores André Benjamine: Taras Domitro Program Notes Synopsis View Trailer

http://www.sfchronicle.com/performance/article/Feijoo-taking-her-final-steps-at-SF-Ballet-11065862.php (if you are a non-subscriber, you can read up to 5 articles) In the fall, Lorena will be working with the San Francisco Opera. She will dance at Flora’s party in “La Traviata” in September and will perform as Lola Montes in the world premiere production of the John Adams-Peter Sellars opera “Girls of the Golden West” in November. I imagine that will include singing, which is not unusual. She was Anita in 'West Side Story Suite' in 2008 & 2009, singing and dancing "America". She will also do some teaching and coaching.

Here is the video honoring Lorena shown last night: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVu1IO06v3w IMHO, it is unfortunate she was not given the opportunity for a proper farewell performance given the length of her tenure and the breadth of roles she performed. A five minute video does not do her justice. She really could do it all. I am grateful for all she has given over the years and especially to be able to personally give her my thanks for giving her heart and soul on the stage.

Casting is up for opening night (https://www.sfballet.org/season/casting): PROGRAM 07 - MADE FOR SF BALLET Wednesday, April 5, 2017 - 7:30 pm TRIO Composer: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky Choreographer: Helgi Tomasson Conductor: Martin West Sasha De Sola, Vitor Luiz Sarah Van Patten, Tiit Helimets Aaron Robison^ Maria Kochetkova, Angelo Greco^ World Premiere GHOST IN THE MACHINE Composer: Michael Nyman Choreographer: Myles Thatcher Conductor: Martin West Vanessa Zahorian^, Joseph Walsh^ Sasha De Sola^, Steven Morse^ Dores André^, Carlo Di Lanno^ Isabella DeVivo^, Esteban Hernandez^ Ellen Rose Hummel^, Max Cauthorn^ WITHIN THE GOLDEN HOUR© Composer: Ezio Bosso and Antonio Vivaldi Choreographer: Christopher Wheeldon Conductor: Martin West Vanessa Zahorian, Joseph Walsh Sarah Van Patten, Luke Ingham Maria Kochetkova, Vitor Luiz *Denotes premiere in role for current production. ^Denotes premiere in current production. Program Notes

I was at Sensorium this year - as an audience member AND as a volunteer. Full disclosure: I am a member of BRAVO - Ballet Resource and Volunteer Organization (https://www.sfballet.org/support-us/get-involved/bravo). One of the aspects that makes Sensorium a very different event are the installations where you can learn more about other aspects of ballet. You can learn more about tutus and make-up. As seen in pherank's post above, Mathilde demonstrated movement while someone would draw inspired by the ballerina's movement. There was another installation that I had the opportunity to work with where a musician from the orchestra would play and the participant/artist would create a line drawing listening to the violinist or cellist for 10 seconds inspired by the music. The participant would then take their drawing to the camera (manned by yours truly) to take a picture of their drawing. All these drawing would then be incorporated into a short film. There were specific instructions for the participant. They were not to draw any objects or write any words. They were to think of the pen (sharpie) as the dancer moving to the musician playing (either a violinist or cellist). I was told by one of the organizers that the film would be available at a later date. I was pleasantly surprised to find a short film on You Tube on Thursday!! ANd when I saw the film, it was actually reverse of the drawing. The participants were drawing with a black sharpie on white paper. But as you can see in the film (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7_lJNLBXH0) it is the opposite - but quite impactful!!! Social media was incorporated into the evening's festivities. I did not catch everything as I had to get back to my post for the installation, but will update with more information later. As far as the actual performance, this year was a little different in that the first piece was one of the most traditional pieces - Balanchine's Diamonds. The second piece was the piece Liam Scarlett created last year - Fearful Symmetries. It was the complete opposite of Diamonds. But I thought it was great to have these pieces side by side for people who have never been to the ballet before. Last year's program was Forsythe's Pas/Parts 2016 and Possokhov's Swimmer. The installations continued after the performance, along with two after parties. One was on the lower level and the other was in the bar on the mezzanine level. Admittedly, it was hard to hear the musicians with the loud music from both places. Luckily both the participants and musicians were game. In the meantime, here is another link: http://sensoriumdance.com/

Casting for the rest of the Swan Lake run has been posted (https://www.sfballet.org/season/casting): Note that the last performance will be Vanessa & Davit's farewell performance on Saturday 4/15 at 7:00 PM. Von Rothbart casting still not posted. Thursday, April 6, 2017 - 7:30 pm Odette/Odile: Yuan Yuan Tan Siegfried: Tiit Helimets Friday, April 7, 2017 - 8 pm Odette/Odile: Maria Kochetkova Siegfried: Joseph Walsh Tuesday, April 11, 2017 - 7:30 pm Odette/Odile: Sofiane Sylve Siegfried: Carlo Di Lanno Wednesday, April 12, 2017 - 7:30 pm Odette/Odile: Frances Chung Siegfried: Vitor Luiz Farewell Performance Saturday, April 15, 2017 - 7 pm Full performance of Swan Lake with a video tribute to Principal Dancers Vanessa Zahorian & Davit Karapetyan Odette/Odile: Vanessa Zahorian Siegfried: Davit Karapetyan

Casting is up for the opening weekend (just Odette/Odile and Siegfried, no Von Rothbart): https://www.sfballet.org/season/casting PROGRAM 06 - SWAN LAKE Friday, March 31, 2017 - 8 pm Composer: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky Choreographer: Helgi Tomasson Conductor: Martin West Odette/Odile: Maria Kochetkova Siegfried: Joseph Walsh*^ Saturday, April 1, 2017 - 2 pm Composer: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky Choreographer: Helgi Tomasson Conductor: David LaMarche Odette/Odile: Sofiane Sylve Siegfried: Carlo Di Lanno Saturday, April 1, 2017 - 8 pm Composer: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky Choreographer: Helgi Tomasson Conductor: David LaMarche Odette/Odile: Yuan Yuan Tan Siegfried: Tiit Helimets Sunday, April 2, 2017 - 2 pm Composer: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky Choreographer: Helgi Tomasson Conductor: Martin West Odette/Odile: Frances Chung* Siegfried: Vitor Luiz *Denotes premiere in role for current production. ^Denotes premiere in current production. Program Notes View Trailer

Tickets have been spoken for.....

I have two tickets for Sensorium on Tue 3/21 if you're interested. They are in Orchestra Left in the back. PM if you are interested. NOTE: I am actually working at the event now as a member of BRAVO, hence no need for the tickets now. Highlights from the first Sensorium in 2015: https://youtu.be/HlRHY3mC5fY Last year: https://youtu.be/pwUGNTrtXLQ

Davit posted this to Instgram: https://www.instagram.com/p/BRhHt4llIh7/?taken-by=davitkarapetyan Welcome back Davit!!!

For the third year, Sensorium returns for one night. Combining Social Media, Interactive Exhibits, and Contemporary Pieces, all seats are $29 and designed to draw people to the ballet who perhaps didn't think it was for them. The first two years saw contemporary pieces (Scarlett's Hummingbird, Forsythe's Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude, and Wheeldon's Borealis in 2015, Forsythe's Pas/Parts 2016 and Possokhov's Swimmer last year). This year is a combination of old and new: Balanchine's Diamonds and Scarlett's Fearful Symmetries. https://www.sfballet.org/season/events/2017-sensorium/

Casting is now up for opening night of Program 5 (https://www.sfballet.org/season/casting#p5) PROGRAM 05 - CONTEMPORARY VOICES Thursday, March 9, 2017 - 7:30 pm FUSION Choreography: Yuri Possokhov Music: Graham Fitkin and Rahul Dev Burman Conductor: Martin West Lorena Feijóo, Hansuke Yamamoto Lauren Strongin*, James Sofranko Frances Chung, Jaime Garcia Castilla Yuan Yuan Tan, Luke Ingham* World Premiere SALOME Choreography: Arthur Pita Music: Frank Moon Conductor: Martin West Salome: Dores André* John the Baptist: Aaron Robison* FEARFUL SYMMETRIES Choreography: Liam Scarlett Music: John Adams Conductor: Martin West Jahna Frantizkonis, Frances Chung, Isabella DeViVo, Lorena Feijóo, Ellen Rose Hummel, Emma Rubinowitz, Jennifer Stahl, Yuan Yuan Tan Max Cauthorn, Esteban Hernandez, Luke Ingham, Carlo Di Lanno*, Vitor Luiz, Joseph Walsh*, James Sofranko, Wei Wang *Denotes premiere in ballet. In the event of injury or illness, casting is subject to change. Program Notes: http://read.uberflip.com/i/774855-2017-sfb-program-05-notes Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7P2GTywYL8&feature=youtu.be

Wishing these dancers a successful return to the stage very soon..... https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ1gwihlWfJ/?taken-by=lapetitefrench_ I know recovering from injury is a very personal thing, but very thankful for dancers who are willing to share the process.

Here is something to get excited about: https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ6VLjBgW4L/?taken-by=franadian Two favorites rehearsing Diamonds

Casting is up for the first four performances of Frankenstein (https://www.sfballet.org/season/casting): PROGRAM 03 - FRANKENSTEIN Friday, February 17, 2017 - 8 pm ... Choreography: Liam Scarlett Music: Lowell Liebermann Conductor: Martin West Victor Frankenstein: Joseph Walsh*^ Elizabeth Lavenza: Frances Chung*^ The Creature: Vitor Luiz*^ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saturday, February 18, 2017 - 2 pm Choreography: Liam Scarlett Music: Lowell Liebermann Conductor: Martin West Victor Frankenstein: Aaron Robison*^ Elizabeth Lavenza: Dores André *^ The Creature: Luke Ingham*^ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saturday, February 18, 2017 - 8 pm Choreography: Liam Scarlett Music: Lowell Liebermann Conductor: Martin West Victor Frankenstein: Max Cauthorn*^ Elizabeth Lavenza: Lauren Strongin*^ The Creature: Taras Domitro*^ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sunday, February 19, 2017 - 2 pm Choreography: Liam Scarlett Music: Lowell Liebermann Conductor: Martin West Victor Frankenstein: Joseph Walsh Elizabeth Lavenza: Frances Chung The Creature: Vitor Luiz ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *Denotes premiere in role for current production. ^Denotes premiere in current production.

I was at last night's performance. Yuan Yuan & Aaron were great together and I can't wait to see what else they dance this season. Still, IMHO Lorena owns the role in the piece. Jahna danced the same role Julia Rowe danced. Jahna also graces the cover of Pointe Magazine - here is a link to the article: http://pointemagazine.com/featured-article/taking-chances/. When I watch Pas/Parts, I focus on the dancers rather than the music. Funny story about last night's performance: I was sitting in Dress Circle. I had noticed earlier that there was a guide dog in training in the back. If you haven't seen Pas/Parts, the first part of the music is a very high-pitched sound. This either frightened or delighted the dog because the dog started barking!!! I wonder if the bark was heard in other sections....

Jahna Frantziskonis graces the cover of February/March 2017 issue of Pointe Magazine. Luckily, I found a link to the article: http://pointemagazine.com/featured-article/taking-chances/ Among the people singing her praises: Lorena Feijoo, SFB Principal Dancer retiring at the end of this season. “Jahna has something you can’t teach,” observes Feijoo. “She is an artist.” To catch you up on what Jahna has danced this season: In Program 1 she is in the large corps of Jiří Bubeníček's Fragile Vessels, the 'School of Thought' in Justin Peck's In the Countenance of Kings (you can see her in a clip filmed in an old train station in Oakland last spring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMTv_Y0Zrl4), and the corps of Helgi Tomasson's Haffner Symphony. In Program 2, she made her debut in William Forsythe's Pas/Parts 2016 in the Saturday 1/28 matinee performance. She danced the same part Soloist Julia Rowe danced, partnered by Soloist James Sofranko (along with corps dancer Henry Sidford in the trio). She performed the same role again the past 2 nights and will do so again Friday night. She was fierce & fearless!! I was fortunate to see all the performances, but missing Friday's since I will actually be in Seattle to see Cendrillon!!! During the Nutcracker run, she performed in various roles (dancing doll, housekeeper, Spanish, snowflake, waltzing flower) and also performed the Sugar Plum Fairy in (IIRC) 3 performances. I was able to see her as the Sugar Plum Fairy and she was simply marvelous - beautiful arms and musicality (I could go on & on).

Mathilde has shared what is going on with on Instagram:

Casting for the first two nights of Program 1 & opening night for Program 2: PROGRAM 1 Tuesday, January 24, 2017 - 7:30 pm HAFFNER SYMPHONY Choreography: Helgi Tomasson Music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Conductor: Martin West Maria Kochetkova, Angelo Greco* World Premiere FRAGILE VESSELS Choreography: Jiří Bubeníček Music: Sergei Rachmaninov Conductor: Martin West First Movement Sofiane Sylve*, Carlo Di Lanno* Dores André*, Francisco Mungamba* Mathilde Froustey*, Wei Wang* Second Movement Dores André*, Joseph Walsh*, Wei Wang* Third Movement Sofiane Sylve*, Carlo Di Lanno* Mathilde Froustey*, Francisco Mungamba*, Wei Wang* Dores André*, Joseph Walsh* IN THE COUNTENANCE OF KINGS Choreography: Justin Peck Music and Original Orchestrations: Sufjan Stevens Orchestration for San Francisco Ballet: Michael P. Atkinson Conductor: Martin West Quantus: Dores André Electress: Frances Chung Botanica: Jennifer Stahl The Protagonist: Joseph Walsh The Foil: Daniel Deivison-Oliveira The Hero: Luke Ingham Wednesday, January 25, 2017 - 7:30 pm HAFFNER SYMPHONY Choreography: Helgi Tomasson Music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Conductor: Martin West Vanessa Zahorian, Taras Domitro* FRAGILE VESSELS Choreography: Jiří Bubeníček Music: Sergei Rachmaninov Conductor: Martin West First Movement Jennifer Stahl*, Carlo Di Lanno Dores André, Francisco Mungamba Mathilde Froustey, Wei Wang Second Movement Dores André, Joseph Walsh, Wei Wang Third Movement Jennifer Stahl*, Carlo Di Lanno Mathilde Froustey, Francisco Mungamba, Wei Wang Dores André, Joseph Walsh IN THE COUNTENANCE OF KINGS Choreography: Justin Peck Music and Original Orchestrations: Sufjan Stevens Orchestration for San Francisco Ballet: Michael P. Atkinson Conductor: Martin West Quantus: Dores André Electress: Frances Chung Botanica: Jennifer Stahl The Protagonist: Joseph Walsh The Foil: Daniel Deivison-Oliveira The Hero: Luke Ingham PROGRAM 2 Thursday, January 26, 2017 - 7:30 pm SEVEN SONATAS Choreography: Alexei Ratmansky Music: Domenico Scarlatti Pianist: Mungunchimeg Buriad Mathilde Froustey, Joseph Walsh Frances Chung, Angelo Greco* Sofiane Sylve, Carlo Di Lanno World Premiere OPTIMISTIC TRAGEDY Choreography: Yuri Possokhov Music: Ilya Demutsky Conductor: Martin West Lorena Feijóo* Luke Ingham*, Taras Domitro* PAS/PARTS 2016 Choreography: William Forsythe Music: Thom Willems Maria Kochetkova Frances Chung Dores André Sasha De Sola Julia Rowe Sofiane Sylve Jennifer Stahl Skyla Schreter Carlo Di Lanno Francisco Mungamba James Sofranko Diego Cruz Joseph Walsh Wei Wang Henry Sidford *Denotes premiere in ballet Link to casting: https://www.sfballet.org/season/casting Program 1 Info: https://www.sfballet.org/season/repertory/program-01 Program 2 Info: https://www.sfballet.org/season/repertory/program-02

Thanks, I did update it to Pennsylvania Ballet Academy. I am always happy to see dancers passing on their knowledge to future generations.

I saw the announcement on FB I also received an email. I was not expecting this. There are so many performances - both individually and together - I can remember. I think for most people it would be Romeo & Juliet. I am sad to see them go. Merde to a great season and best wishes in their future roles with Pennsylvania Ballet Academy!!

Link to casting: https://www.sfballet.org/season/casting Very excited to see Wei Wang debut in the PDD with Lauren. I remember the first time I ever saw Wei in Nutcracker in 2012, dancing the Chinese dance - definite WOW!!! And he had the sweetest reaction when the audience applauded.... Also nice to see Pascal dancing Drosselmeyer!! Here's additional casting (12/16-12/20): Friday, December 16, 2016 - 2 pm Conductor: Matilda Hofman Drosselmeyer: Val Caniparoli Queen and King of the Snow: Sasha De Sola, Daniel Deivson-Oliveira Sugar Plum Fairy: Jennifer Stahl Grand Pas de Deux: Lauren Strongin, Wei Wang* Friday, December 16, 2016 - 7 pm Conductor: Matilda Hofman Drosselmeyer: Ricardo Bustamante Queen and King of the Snow: Mathilde Froustey, Carlo Di Lanno Sugar Plum Fairy: Jahna Frantziskonis* Grand Pas de Deux: Sofiane Sylve, Tiit Helimets Saturday, December 17, 2016 - 2 pm Conductor: Martin West Drosselmeyer: Ricardo Bustamante Queen and King of the Snow: Lauren Strongin, Hansuke Yamamoto Sugar Plum Fairy: Jennifer Stahl Grand Pas de Deux: Julia Rowe*, Angelo Greco* Saturday, December 17, 2016 - 7 pm Conductor: Martin West Drosselmeyer: Pascal Molat Queen and King of the Snow: Lorena Feijoo, Jaime Garcia Castilla Sugar Plum Fairy: Sasha De Sola Grand Pas de Deux: Frances Chung, Joseph Walsh Sunday, December 18, 2016 - 2 pm Conductor: Martin West Drosselmeyer: Pascal Molat Queen and King of the Snow: Elizabeth Mateer*, Steven Morse Sugar Plum Fairy: Julia Rowe Grand Pas de Deux: Sarah Van Patten, Aaron Robison* Sunday, December 18, 2016 - 7 pm Conductor: Ming Luke Drosselmeyer: Ruben Martin Cintas Queen and King of the Snow: WanTing Zhao, Tiit Helimets Sugar Plum Fairy: Sofiane Sylve Grand Pas de Deux: Mathilde Froustey, Carlo Di Lanno Tuesday, December 20, 2016 - 2 pm Conductor: Martin West Drosselmeyer: Ruben Martin Cintas Queen and King of the Snow: Isabella DeVivo*, Max Cauthorn Sugar Plum Fairy: Mathilde Froustey Grand Pas de Deux: Koto Ishihara, Hansuke Yamamoto* Tuesday, December 20, 2016 - 7 pm Conductor: Ming Luke Drosselmeyer: Val Caniparoli Queen and King of the Snow: Sasha De Sola, Aaron Robison Sugar Plum Fairy: Jennifer Stahl Grand Pas de Deux: Lorena Feijoo, Carlos Quenedit