sf_herminator

I will be visiting New York next weekend and would like to attend the All Robbins program on Saturday 5/21 at 8 PM. As this is my first time to see NYCB and the Koch Theater I have some questions: 1) Where should I sit? I do not mind paying a lot, but not sure where. I am thinking about Second or Third Ring. Unfortunately I could not find anything on the website where you could see what the view is from the various sections. Awhile back there was an article about seating, but I can't find it. 2) Would it be better to buy the ticket online or calling the box office before I come into town or should I go directly to the box office on Friday morning/afternoon? Any advice is appreciated - thank you in advance.

I've started a Program 7 thread - looking forward to reading your thoughts.

Casting for all performances of Program 7 (http://www.sfballet.org/performancestickets/casting.asp) PROGRAM 7 Opening Night Friday, April 08, 2011, 8:00 PM PETROUCHKA Choreographer: Michel Fokine Composer: Igor Stravinsky Conductor: Emil de Cou Petrouchka: Pascal Molat Ballerina: Clara Blanco Moor: Daniel Deivison-Oliveira INTERMISSION UNDERSKIN Choreographer: Renato Zanella Composer: Arnold Schoenberg Conductor: Emil de Cou Sofiane Sylve Yuan Yuan Tan, Lorena Feijoo, Frances Chung Vitor Luiz, Pascal Molat, Gennadi Nedvigin INTERMISSION World Premiere NUMBER NINE Choreographer: Christopher Wheeldon Composer: Michael Torke Conductor: Emil de Cou Frances Chung*, Pascal Molat* Maria Kochetkova*, Gennadi Nedvigin* Yuan Yuan Tan*, Ruben Martin Cintas* Lorena Feijoo*, Vitor Luiz* PROGRAM 7 Matinee Sunday, April 10, 2011, 2:00 PM PETROUCHKA Choreographer: Michel Fokine Composer: Igor Stravinsky Conductor: Emil de Cou Petrouchka: Gennadi Nedivigin Ballerina: Dores Andre* Moor: Quinn Wharton* INTERMISSION UNDERSKIN Choreographer: Renato Zanella Composer: Arnold Schoenberg Conductor: Emil de Cou Elana Altman Sarah Van Patten*, Maria Kochetkova, Courtney Elizabeth Anthony Spaulding, Pascal Molat, Jaime Garcia Castilla INTERMISSION NUMBER NINE Choreographer: Christopher Wheeldon Composer: Michael Torke Conductor: Emil de Cou Frances Chung, Pascal Molat Maria Kochetkova, Gennadi Nedvigin Yuan Yuan Tan, Ruben Martin Cintas Lorena Feijoo, Vitor Luiz PROGRAM 7 Evening Wednesday, April 13, 2011, 7:30 PM PETROUCHKA Choreographer: Michel Fokine Composer: Igor Stravinsky Conductor: Emil de Cou Petrouchka:Gennadi Nedivigin Ballerina: Dores Andre* Moor: Gaetano Amico* INTERMISSION UNDERSKIN Choreographer: Renato Zanella Composer: Arnold Schoenberg Conductor: Emil de Cou Elana Altman Sarah Van Patten, Maria Kochetkova, Courtney Elizabeth Anthony Spaulding, Pascal Molat, Jaime Garcia Castilla INTERMISSION NUMBER NINE Choreographer: Christopher Wheeldon Composer: Michael Torke Conductor: Emil de Cou Frances Chung, Pascal Molat Maria Kochetkova, Gennadi Nedvigin Yuan Yuan Tan, Ruben Martin Cintas Lorena Feijoo, Vitor Luiz PROGRAM 7 Evening Thursday, April 14, 2011, 8:00 PM PETROUCHKA Choreographer: Michel Fokine Composer: Igor Stravinsky Conductor: Emil de Cou Petrouchka: Pascal Molat Ballerina: Clara Blanco Moor: Daniel Deivison-Oliveira INTERMISSION UNDERSKIN Choreographer: Renato Zanella Composer: Arnold Schoenberg Conductor: Emil de Cou Sofiane Sylve Yuan Yuan Tan, Lorena Feijoo, Frances Chung Vitor Luiz, Pascal Molat, Gennadi Nedvigin INTERMISSION NUMBER NINE Choreographer: Christopher Wheeldon Composer: Michael Torke Conductor: Emil de Cou Clara Blanco, Jaime Garcia Castilla Vanessa Zahorian, Garen Scribner Sarah Van Patten, Ruben Martin Cintas Lorena Feijoo, Vitor Luiz PROGRAM 7 Matinee Saturday, April 16, 2011, 2:00 PM PETROUCHKA Choreographer: Michel Fokine Composer: Igor Stravinsky Conductor: Emil de Cou Petrouchka:James Sofranko* Ballerina: Dores Andre Moor: Gaetano Amico INTERMISSION UNDERSKIN Choreographer: Renato Zanella Composer: Arnold Schoenberg Conductor: Emil de Cou Jennifer Stahl Sarah Van Patten, Maria Kochetkova, Courtney Elizabeth Anthony Spaulding, Pascal Molat, Jaime Garcia Castilla INTERMISSION NUMBER NINE Choreographer: Christopher Wheeldon Composer: Michael Torke Conductor: Emil de Cou Clara Blanco* Jaime Garcia Castilla* Vanessa Zahorian*, Garen Scribner* Sarah Van Patten*, Ruben Martin Cintas Elana Altman*, Vito Mazzeo* PROGRAM 7 Evening Saturday, April 16, 2011, 8:00 PM PETROUCHKA Choreographer: Michel Fokine Composer: Igor Stravinsky Conductor: Emil de Cou Petrouchka: Gennadi Nedvigin Ballerina: Clara Blanco Moor: Daniel Deivison-Oliveira INTERMISSION UNDERSKIN Choreographer: Renato Zanella Composer: Arnold Schoenberg Conductor: Emil de Cou Sofiane Sylve Yuan Yuan Tan, Lorena Feijoo, Courtney Elizabeth Vitor Luiz, Pascal Molat, Jaime Garcia Castilla INTERMISSION NUMBER NINE Choreographer: Christopher Wheeldon Composer: Michael Torke Conductor: Emil de Cou Frances Chung, Pascal Molat Maria Kochetkova, Gennadi Nedvigin Yuan Yuan Tan, Ruben Martin Cintas Lorena Feijoo, Vitor Luiz Program 7 Evening Tuesday, April 19, 2011, 8:00 PM PETROUCHKA Choreographer: Michel Fokine Composer: Igor Stravinsky Conductor: Emil de Cou Petrouchka: Gennadi Nedvigin Ballerina: Elizabeth Miner Moor: Quinn Wharton INTERMISSION UNDERSKIN Choreographer: Renato Zanella Composer: Arnold Schoenberg Conductor: Emil de Cou Sofiane Sylve Sarah Van Patten, Maria Kochetkova, Courtney Elizabeth Anthony Spaulding, Pascal Molat, Jaime Garcia Castilla INTERMISSION NUMBER NINE Choreographer: Christopher Wheeldon Composer: Michael Torke Conductor: Emil de Cou Clara Blanco, Jaime Garcia Castilla Vanessa Zahorian, Garen Scribner Sarah Van Patten, Ruben Martin Cintas Elana Altman, Vito Mazzeo * Denotes premiere in role. Casting subject to change.

Casting for the first 4 performances of Program 6 (http://www.sfballet.org/performancestickets/casting.asp#43681122) PROGRAM 6 Opening Night Thursday, April 07, 2011, 8:00 PM GHOSTS Choreographer: Christopher Wheeldon Composer: C.F. Kip Winger Conductor: Martin West Maria Kochetkova, Vitor Luiz Sofiane Sylve, Tiit Helimets, Quinn Wharton* INTERMISSION 7 FOR EIGHT Choreographer: Helgi Tomasson Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach Conductor: Martin West Yuan Yuan Tan, Tiit Helimets Vanessa Zahorian, Gennadi Nedvigin Dores Andre, Joan Boada Elizabeth Miner, Jaime Garcia Castilla INTERMISSION SF Ballet Premiere CHROMA Choreographer: Wayne McGregor Composer: Joby Talbot, Jack White III Conductor: Martin West Maria Kochetkova*, Jaime Garcia Castilla* Frances Chung*, Pascal Molat* Yuan Yuan Tan*, Taras Domitro* Dana Genshaft*, Anthony Spaulding* Isaac Hernandez*, Garen Scribner* PROGRAM 6 Matinee Saturday, April 09, 2011, 2:00 PM 7 FOR EIGHT Choreographer: Helgi Tomasson Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach Conductor: Martin West Sarah Van Patten*, Tiit Helimets Nicole Ciapponi*, Hansuke Yamamoto* Clara Blanco, Vitor Luiz* Koto Ishihara*, Lonnie Weeks* INTERMISSION GHOSTS Choreographer: Christopher Wheeldon Composer: C.F. Kip Winger Conductor: Martin West Yuan Yuan Tan, Damian Smith Lorena Feijoo, Ruben Martin Cintas*, Vitor Luiz INTERMISSION CHROMA Choreographer: Wayne McGregor Composer: Joby Talbot, Jack White III Conductor: Martin West Sofiane Sylve*, Vito Mazzeo* Lorena Feijoo*, James Sofranko* Vanessa Zahorian*, Tiit Helimets* Sarah Van Patten*, Daniel Deivison-Oliveira* Lonnie Weeks*, Luke Willis* PROGRAM 6 Evening Saturday, April 09, 2011, 8:00 PM 7 FOR EIGHT Choreographer: Helgi Tomasson Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach Conductor: Martin West Yuan Yuan Tan, Damian Smith Vanessa Zahorian, Gennadi Nedvigin Dores Andre, Joan Boada Elizabeth Miner, Jaime Garcia Castilla INTERMISSION GHOSTS Choreographer: Christopher Wheeldon Composer: C.F. Kip Winger Conductor: Martin West Maria Kochetkova, Vitor Luiz Sofiane Sylve, Tiit Helimets, Quinn Wharton INTERMISSION CHROMA Choreographer: Wayne McGregor Composer: Joby Talbot, Jack White III Conductor: Martin West Maria Kochetkova, Jaime Garcia Castilla Frances Chung, Pascal Molat Yuan Yuan Tan, Taras Domitro Dana Genshaft, Anthony Spaulding Isaac Hernandez, Garen Scribner PROGRAM 6 Evening Tuesday, April 12, 2011, 8:00 PM 7 FOR EIGHT Choreographer: Helgi Tomasson Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach Conductor: Martin West Sarah Van Patten, Tiit Helimets Nicole Ciapponi, Taras Domitro Clara Blanco, Vitor Luiz Koto Ishihara, Lonnie Weeks INTERMISSION GHOSTS Choreographer: Christopher Wheeldon Composer: C.F. Kip Winger Conductor: Martin West Yuan Yuan Tan, Damian Smith Sofiane Sylve, Tiit Helimets, Quinn Wharton INTERMISSION CHROMA Choreographer: Wayne McGregor Composer: Joby Talbot, Jack White III Conductor: Martin West Maria Kochetkova, Jaime Garcia Castilla Frances Chung, Pascal Molat Yuan Yuan Tan, Taras Domitro Dana Genshaft, Anthony Spaulding Isaac Hernandez, Garen Scribner * Denotes premiere in role. Casting subject to change.

Casting (http://www.sfballet.org/performancestickets/casting.asp)for the final 3 performances of Program 3: PROGRAM 3 Evening Friday, March 04, 2011, 8:00 PM CLASSICAL SYMPHONY Choreography: Yuri Possokhov Conductor: Emil de Cou Maria Kochetkova, Hansuke Yamamoto Frances Chung, Isaac Hernandez Dores Andre, Jaime Garcia Castilla INTERMISSION NANNA'S LIED Choreography: Helgi Tomasson Conductor: Emil de Cou Nanna: Sarah Van Patten Johnny: Anthony Spaulding Jacob Schmidt: Quinn Wharton INTERMISSION ARTIFACT SUITE Choreography: William Forsythe Piano: Margot Kazimirska Yuan Yuan Tan, Damian Smith Lorena Feijoo, Pascal Molat Elana Altman PROGRAM 3 Matinee Sunday, March 06, 2011, 2:00 PM CLASSICAL SYMPHONY Choreography: Yuri Possokhov Conductor: Emil de Cou Vanessa Zahorian, Gennadi Nedvigin Clara Blanco, Daniel Deivison Dores Andre, James Sofranko INTERMISSION NANNA'S LIED Choreography: Helgi Tomasson Conductor: Emil de Cou Nanna: Maria Kochetkova Johnny: Ruben Martin Cintas Jacob Schmidt: Val Caniparoli INTERMISSION ARTIFACT SUITE Choreography: William Forsythe Piano: Margot Kazimirska Sofiane Sylve, Vito Mazzeo Lorena Feijoo, Pascal Molat Mariellen Olson PROGRAM 3 Evening Wednesday, March 09, 2011, 7:30 PM CLASSICAL SYMPHONY Choreography: Yuri Possokhov Conductor: Emil de Cou Vanessa Zahorian, Gennadi Nedvigin Frances Chung, Isaac Hernandez Dores Andre, Jaime Garcia Castilla INTERMISSION NANNA'S LIED Choreography: Helgi Tomasson Conductor: Emil de Cou Nanna: Sarah Van Patten Johnny: Damian Smith Jacob Schmidt: Val Caniparoli INTERMISSION ARTIFACT SUITE Choreography: William Forsythe Piano: Margot Kazimirska Elana Altman, Quinn Wharton Maria Kochetkova*, Joan Boada Mariellen Olson * Denotes premiere in role. Casting subject to change. Going Sunday to see Sofiane and Vito and Wednesday for my wish which has come true - Maria and Joan!! Also great to see Elana and Quinn dancing the tall couple. Only wish I could have seen Frances and Jaime this past Tuesday....

Gina - No, it is not your imagination. I saw Program 2 on a Tuesday night. Bought a standing ticket (another one of my peeves - now $20 since 2009 and apparently now $30 for story ballets!!! there's another thread which I must comment on with my thoughts). Back to the topic: The main reason I went (in addition to seeing Lorena in RAkU after seeing Yuan Yuan in the premiere) was to see a different cast of Symphony in C. For some reason the ushers on the left side where I was standing were up in arms about one of the other patrons and kept on talking about it 10 minutes into the performance!!! I kept looking back giving dirty looks - of course to no avail. Then there were some patrons who had arrived late at the start of Symphonic Variations so of course they had to stand in the back. When it was over the patrons rushed to find their seats but were chased down by one of the ushers. Was that really necessary? BTW - I am also going to see the Royal Danish Ballet when they are coming and looking forward to seeing them as I haven't seen many of the European companies.

Tonight was the premiere of Program 4 (can't believe we at the halfway point of the season when these program finish!!). All programs used glorious music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. We had Balanchine's majestic Theme and Variations, the SF Ballet Premiere of Sir Kenneth MacMillan's Winter Dreams, and Trio - a new piece by Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson. It seems prior to opening tonight, the order of the pieces kept changing. In the Program Book, it listed Theme and Variations, Trio, and Winter Dreams. When the casting was first announced, the order was Trio, Winter Dreams, and Theme and Variations. The current order is what is listed on the website and the casting sheet when I arrived tonight. When the curtain went up on Theme and Variations, the audience oohed and aahed at the sight of the women in their blue bodice and white tutus, the blue background, and the chandeliers. Frances Chung (in all white) and Taras Domitro danced the lead couple. They made a wonderful pair. Taras is an amzaing jumper and spinner, which he showed in his solo. The corps women were wonderful with their intertwining moves. It ended gorgeously when the corps men joined the women. Sir Kenneth MacMillan's Winter Dreams is based on Anton Chekhov's Three SIsters. Dancing the three sisters were Sofiane Sylve (Masha), Maria Kochetkova (Irina) and Lorena Feijoo (Olga). I am not familiar with the story and I won't try to summarize, but I think the piece conveyed the story and the dancing/acting was wonderful. The music (a number of piano pieces) alternated between piano (played by Michael McGraw) and a band featuring balalaikas that was onstage in the background. Two of the wonderful surprises were performances by Anita Paciotti as Anfisa (I think she is the mother of the sisters). There was a sequence in which she danced with the sisters. Then there was (I believe) Dr. Chebutykin, who had a drunk duet with a chair. Ricardo Bustamante was great as he tumbled on the floor while manipulating the chair with his feet!!! On a personal note, my enjoyment of the piece was somewhat diminished because a very tall and very large gentleman was seated in front of me and kept shifting from side to side which would block my view and I would have to shift side to side, up and down, and back and forth. My favorite part was when the entire cast paired off and danced to Valse sentimentale. Trio is Mr. Tomasson's new piece set to Tchaikovsky's Souvenir de Florence. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement has one lead couple and five corps couples. The lead was danced by Vanessa Zahorian and Vitor Luiz. Vanessa just tore thru her parts and Vitor was there to match her. My favorite part in this section was when the corps dancers broke into a few trios. The second movement featured Sarah Van Patten, Tiit Helimets, and Vito Mazzeo. Sarah and Tiit continue the great work they have been doing together this season (after their Gala Pas De Deux and Giselle). It started as a duet and then became a trio as Vito tried to come between them and then it seemed to be a back and forth. The last movement was led by Maria Kochetkova and Gennadi Nedvigin. The five corps women from the first movement returned followed by five new corps men (I thought this was an interesting twist). The costumes were gorgeous, especially in the first movement (burgundy for the lead couple, violet for the other couples). Overall, another great night of dancing and I look forward to seeing this program one more time.

Sorry to hear Maybe try calling the box office or the gift shop - not sure if that will help. Hope you are able to get it back.

Casting for Program 4: (http://www.sfballet.org/performancestickets/casting.asp) PROGRAM 4 Opening Night Friday, February 25, 2011, 8:00 PM THEME AND VARIATIONS Choreography: George Balanchine Conductor: Martin West Frances Chung, Taras Domitro INTERMISSION SF Ballet Premiere WINTER DREAMS Choreography: Sir Kenneth MacMillan Conductor: Martin West Piano: Michael McGraw Masha, Vershinin: Sofiane Sylve*, Tiit Helimets* Irina, Olga: Maria Kochetkova*, Lorena Feijoo* Kulygin: Damian Smith* Tusenbach, Solyony: Garen Scribner*, Vitor Luiz* INTERMISSION World Premiere TRIO Choreography: Helgi Tomasson Conductor: Martin West Vanessa Zahorian*, Vitor Luiz* Sarah Van Patten*, Tiit Helimets* Vito Mazzeo* Maria Kochetkova*, Gennadi Nedvigin* PROGRAM 4 Matinee Sunday, February 27, 2011, 2:00 PM THEME AND VARIATIONS Choreography: George Balanchine Conductor: Martin West Vanessa Zahorian, Taras Domitro INTERMISSION WINTER DREAMS Choreography: Sir Kenneth MacMillan Conductor: Martin West Piano: Michael McGraw Masha, Vershinin: Yuan Yuan Tan*, Vito Mazzeo* Irina, Olga: Maria Kochetkova, Lorena Feijoo Kulygin: Damian Smith Tusenbach, Solyony: Garen Scribner, Vitor Luiz INTERMISSION TRIO Choreography: Helgi Tomasson Conductor: Martin West Lorena Feijoo*, Jaime Garcia Castilla* Sarah Van Patten, Tiit Helimets Vito Mazzeo Maria Kochetkova, Gennadi Nedvigin PROGRAM 4 Evening Wednesday, March 02, 2011, 7:30 PM THEME AND VARIATIONS Choreography: George Balanchine Conductor: Martin West Maria Kochetkova, Gennadi Nedvigin INTERMISSION WINTER DREAMS Choreography: Sir Kenneth MacMillan Conductor: Martin West Piano: Michael McGraw Masha, Vershinin: Yuan Yuan Tan, Vito Mazzeo Irina, Olga: Frances Chung*, Vanessa Zahorian* Kulygin: Damian Smith Tusenbach, Solyony: Quinn Wharton*, Anthony Spaulding* INTERMISSION TRIO Choreography: Helgi Tomasson Conductor: Martin West Vanessa Zahorian, Joan Boada* Sarah Van Patten, Tiit Helimets Vito Mazzeo Frances Chung*, Taras Domitro* PROGRAM 4 Evening Thursday, March 03, 2011, 8:00 PM THEME AND VARIATIONS Choreography: George Balanchine Conductor: Martin West Vanessa Zahorian, Taras Domitro INTERMISSION WINTER DREAMS Choreography: Sir Kenneth MacMillan Conductor: Martin West Piano: Michael McGraw Masha, Vershinin: Sofiane Sylve, Tiit Helimets Irina, Olga: Maria Kochetkova, Lorena Feijoo Kulygin: Damian Smith Tusenbach, Solyony: Garen Scribner, Vitor Luiz INTERMISSION TRIO Choreography: Helgi Tomasson Conductor: Martin West Lorena Feijoo, Vitor Luiz Dana Genshaft*, Ruben Martin Cintas* Anthony Spaulding* Maria Kochetkova, Gennadi Nedvigin * Denotes premiere in role. Casting subject to change.

I was also there tonight for Program 4 - another great night of dance!! I'll be posting in a new topic. Hope you enjoyed as well.

I had to post my views on Program 3: When the season was announced last year, the return of Artifact Suite was one of the things I was looking forward to. I was also surprised to see it coming back so soon. It was last performed in 2007 and has become one of those pieces that I would go see no matter what. However, it is not everyone's cup of tea. I remember seeing people walk out after the first time the 'fire curtain' dropped and more people walk out during the 2 minute break between the Chaconne and the piano pieces. Prior to tonight's performance, the Meet the Artist interview was with Repeptituer Jodi Gates. She staged Artifact Suite for this season. Among the intriguing facts about the piece: The eight pieces that make up the second half of Artifact Suite are actually interspersed throughout the full-length Artifact The piece played during the two minute break between the Chaconne half and the Eva Crossman-Hecht pieces is the Chaconne played backwards. It was also mentioned that many Bach pieces can be played backwards (in this case I think they mean the music or score is read right to left instead of left to right). The break is used for the dancers to change from the mustard colored costumes to the green costumes Artifact 2 is just the Chaconne part by itself When asked what specific recording of Bach's Chaconne was used for the first half, Ms. Gates could not name it. However, she said it could be Googled. I tried to find it but could not. The pieces by Eva Crossman-Hecht are based on different passages in Bach's Chaconne Briefly on the first two pieces: I enjoyed Classical Symphony as much as I did during last year's premiere. I love how Possokhov really used the music in the choreography. The men seemed as if they were jumping into the sky. Vannessa and Gennadi were wonderful as the lead couple. Nanna's Lied is a great vehicle for whoever is dancing the lead (Sarah Van Patten tonight). However, for me it just seemed to drag on longer than it should have. For me, this program is all about Artifact Suite - and it did not disappoint. The first half is all about the two couples with their push/pull duets. Lorena and Pascal were magnificent as always. Tonight was the first time I saw Yuan Yuan and Damian. A different look for them, but they showed why they work wonderfully together. The second half is all about the corps. The women in Dance of the Thousand Piques and the men at the start of Herd Dance had me on the edge of my seat. Watching it tonight I saw the connection to in the middle, somewhat elevated. Because of the music, I also saw a connection to Wheeldon's Continuum and Polyphonia which were set to Ligeti piano pieces. I thought it was a shame to see people walk out - but their loss. I think this is dancing at its most thrilling. I will definitely be seeing this program at least two more times. I look forward to seeing other pairs (Sofiane Sylve and Vito Mazzeo, Frances Chung and Jaime Garcia Castilla). Mariellen Olson will be the Single Female Figure at this Saturday's matinee. And extra kudos to the dancers who danced in either 'Classical' or 'Nanna's Lied' AND Artifact - especially to Elana Altman who went from heels (as one of the women in Nanna's Lied) to bare feet (as the Single Female Figure in Artifact).

Casting for the first four performances of Program 3: [http://www.sfballet.org/performancestickets/casting.asp] PROGRAM 3 Opening Night Thursday, February 24, 2011, 8:00 PM CLASSICAL SYMPHONY Choreography: Yuri Possokhov Conductor: Emil de Cou Vanessa Zahorian, Gennadi Nedvigin Frances Chung*, Isaac Hernandez* Dores Andre, Jaime Garcia Castilla INTERMISSION NANNA'S LIED Choreography: Helgi Tomasson Conductor: Emil de Cou Nanna: Sarah Van Patten Johnny: Anthony Spaulding* Jacob Schmidt: Val Caniparoli INTERMISSION ARTIFACT SUITE Choreography: William Forsythe Piano: Margot Kazimirska Yuan Yuan Tan, Damian Smith Lorena Feijoo, Pascal Molat Elana Altman PROGRAM 3 Matinee Saturday, February 26, 2011, 2:00 PM CLASSICAL SYMPHONY Choreography: Yuri Possokhov Conductor: Emil de Cou Vanessa Zahorian, Gennadi Nedvigin Frances Chung, Isaac Hernandez Dores Andre, Jaime Garcia Castilla INTERMISSION NANNA'S LIED Choreography: Helgi Tomasson Conductor: Emil de Cou Nanna: Maria Kochetkova* Johnny: Ruben Martin Cintas* Jacob Schmidt: Val Caniparoli INTERMISSION ARTIFACT SUITE Choreography: William Forsythe Piano: Margot Kazimirska Yuan Yuan Tan, Damian Smith Lorena Feijoo, Pascal Molat Mariellen Olson* PROGRAM 3 Evening Saturday, February 26, 2011, 8:00 PM CLASSICAL SYMPHONY Choreography: Yuri Possokhov Conductor: Emil de Cou Maria Kochetkova, Hansuke Yamamoto Clara Blanco, Daniel Deivison-Oliveira Dores Andre, Jaime Garcia Castilla INTERMISSION NANNA'S LIED Choreography: Helgi Tomasson Conductor: Emil de Cou Nanna: Yuan Yuan Tan Johnny: Damian Smith* Jacob Schmidt: Val Caniparoli INTERMISSION ARTIFACT SUITE Choreography: William Forsythe Piano: Margot Kazimirska Sofiane Sylve, Vito Mazzeo* Frances Chung*, Jaime Garcia Castilla Elana Altman PROGRAM 3 Evening Tuesday, March 01, 2011, 8:00 PM CLASSICAL SYMPHONY Choreography: Yuri Possokhov Conductor: Emil de Cou Maria Kochetkova, Hansuke Yamamoto Frances Chung, Isaac Hernandez Dores Andre, Jaime Garcia Castilla INTERMISSION NANNA'S LIED Choreography: Helgi Tomasson Conductor: Emil de Cou Nanna: Sarah Van Patten Johnny: Anthony Spaulding Jacob Schmidt: Quinn Wharton* INTERMISSION ARTIFACT SUITE Choreography: William Forsythe Piano: Margot Kazimirska Sofiane Sylve, Vito Mazzeo Frances Chung, Jaime Garcia Castilla Elana Altman * Denotes premiere in role. Casting subject to change.

Also, Vito Mazzeo replaces Artem Yachmennikov in this Saturday's performance (http://www.sfballet.org/performancestickets/casting.asp#43681142) GISELLE Evening Saturday, February 12, 2011, 8:00 PM Choreographer: Helgi Tomasson Conductor: Martin West Giselle: Yuan Yuan Tan Albrecht: Vito Mazzeo+ Hilarion: Pascal Molat Myrtha: Sofiane Sylve +premiere in Tomasson's production

Another performance of Giselle on Sunday evening was just added (http://www.sfballet.org/performancestickets/casting.asp#43681142) GISELLE Evening Sunday, February 13, 2011, 7:30 PM GISELLE Choreographer: Helgi Tomasson Giselle: Maria Kochetkova Albrecht: Joan Boada Hilarion: Pascal Molat Myrtha: Frances Chung - a second chance to see Maria and Joan!!!

Amen to that. Friday's Meet the Artist Interview is with - Daniel Baker!!! I already bought my ticket for Friday because I wanted to see Lorena as Giselle (missed her in 2002 and 2005, she missed 2008) and now this makes it even better!!! Reminder that you can check the Meet the Artist Interview scheduled here: http://www.sfballet.org/educationcommunity/adulteducation/meettheartistinterviews.asp.

Thanks for the info. You are correct - I also admire Ms. Sylve. I will never forget when I first saw her as Myrtha during the 2008 season. She was a very chilling Myrtha. Can't wait to read your review later this week.

This is terrible news!!! It was distressing enough a few years ago when the price rose from $10 to $20 for standing - and now this!?!?!?! I already have seats for Wed & Fri Giselle (after seeing today) and wanted to see Maria & Yuan Yuan next week standing - but not at $30!!! You are so right about the standing room culture. A few years ago I ran into some other friends who were also standing. I told them I went to the gala and after Lorena performed the PDD from Giselle the woman next to me leaned over and whispered 'that was my daughter'. A woman nearby turned and said she heard my story and then told me she was Elana's mother!!! Last year during the last performance of The Little Mermaid there were two women - one of them was obviously not a ballet fan. She (the unpleasant, non-ballet fan) told the other 'don't expect much of a story - Disney invented The Little Mermaid'. Needless to say, I was flabbergasted by her lack of knowledge. However, I did not feel it was worth it to waste my breath to educate her.

Sunday 1/30 Saw today's performance. Just before the performance, it was announced that Myrtha would be danced by Frances Chung (replacing Elana Altman). I hope Elana is OK and that she was just not feeling well today. Frances did a wonderful job. Sarah Van Patten as Giselle and Tiit Helimets were magnificent as Giselle and Albrecht. Wonderful debut by Daniel Baker as Hilarion - can't wait to see what else he'll do this season. I saw him in Tharp's In the Upper Room when Miami City Ballet was in Berkeley a few years ago and was happy to see him joining SFB. I'll be seeing Lorena and Vitor on Friday.

Change in casting (from SF Ballet website http://www.sfballet.org/performancestickets/casting.asp): Yuan Yuan Tan and Tiit Helimets are now listed for Prism. This is a premiere for Tiit. I hope both Nutnaree and Anthony are OK - I was really looking forward to seeing them. They were wonderful in Rush.

Yes, Gonzalo did perform Apollo while he was at SFB. I need to look back to see if he was who I saw - although admittedly at the time (2004) my friend and I did not enjoy Apollo. However, I would now like to see it again and hopefully SFB will bring it back in the next few years.

Brett Bauer has joined Oregon Ballet Theatre as a Soloist - http://www.obt.org/company_bios/bauer.html Also gone from the roster are Corps de Ballet dancers Christopher Mondoux, Aaron Orza, and Miriam Rowan.

No, you are not the only one who has seen these programs I saw Program 7 for the second time last night (Wed 4/14 - also went opening night). This is probably my favorite program this season of all the mixed bills. Great music all around and wonderful dancing. I could watch The Concert over and over again. I'm actually going again tonight - I checked casting and Katita Waldo is dancing the Ballerina in The Concert!!!! I am so happy that she has the opporunity to do this on the eve of her retirement and I have the chance to see it!!! There is also the second cast of Classical Symphony I am looking forward to.

I hope you are right about Kepley. She was badly injured in rehearsals for the New Works Festival a couple of seasons ago and hasn't danced since, so far as I know. Let's hope this means she's 'back in service' and we'll have a chance to see her during the upcoming season. Julianne did dance towards the end of last season. She danced in one of the performances of West Side Story Suite. I think she sang Somehwere in another. I went to 4 performances(!) of Program 6 - mainly because of Within the Golden Hour and WSSS. I remember being very happy to see her back in action.

It's a very fun video!!! I think the dancer taking you up to see the VP of Nutcracker Operations/Sugar Plum Fairy (Katita) and pushing the button with her beautifully turned out foot is Julianne Kepley. The Spanish dancer with Ruben and Katita looks like Dores Andre. Of course, I may be wrong.

Another change (I just noticed and don't think has been mentioned) to the roster http://www.sfballet.org/about/company/dancers.asp: The following dancers, previously announced as apprentices, are now listed in the Corps de Ballet: Madison Keesler, Kristina Lind, and Steven Morse. Looking forward to the Stern Grove performance. No announcement yet on the program.