James Sofranko Appointed Artistic Director of Grand Rapids Ballet

[Dreamer]

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."

[sf_herminator]

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!!

 

Edited January 5, 2018 by sf_herminator

[Josette]

Congratulations to Jim Sofranko and all the best to him in this exciting new work!

 

[pherank]

It feels right - congratulations to James. It wasn't likely that he was going to be made principal after all this time - too many talented up-in-coming dancers to vie with. But Sofranko has a head full of knowledge to pass on...

EDIT:
So what happens now at SFB? Is it time to move up another one of the young dancers? Or bring in promising talent from elsewhere? Is La Scala going to be the "farm team" for SFB?  ;)

Edited January 5, 2018 by pherank

[dirac]

2 hours ago, sf_herminator said:

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!!

My sentiments exactly. Thanks for the memories and bon voyage!

[pherank]

This is nice: SFB posted this photo of James Sofranko and Jahna Frantziskonis to their Instagram page (photo by Erik Tomasson)

[Terez]

Gasp! Just read this news! Well, he will be missed, but what an opportunity, and it feels very right. I know he's been doing this kind of artistic direction on a smaller scale, with a troupe of local dancers, so I know he will do a great job on a larger scale. Best wishes to him, and I hope to see him dance this season before he heads off.

[sf_herminator]

At the Sunday 5/6 performance of Unbound A, James Sofranko took his final bow following Alonzo King's The Collective Agreement (opening piece on the program).  He was the last to take a bow.  His son came out and presented him with a bouquet, then promptly ran off the stage.  Helgi Tomasson presented him with flowers and a bottle of bubbly (at least I think it was)  I will miss his presence, but he will still be around as SF Danceworks will be performing in June for their third season - http://www.sfdanceworks.org/.  

 

[pherank]

So long, and best of luck to James Sofranko. It is tough to watch these long time veterans retire.