SFB 2022 Miscellaneous

[pherank]

"Announcing the Denis de Coteau fellowship, a partnership between SF Ballet and the SF Conservatory of Music, created to advance opportunities for Black musicians..."

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYXUykROGPO/

Official Press Release:
https://www.sfballet.org/discover/press-center/press-releases/release/san-francisco-ballet-partners-with-the-san-francisco-conservatory-of-music-to-create-a-new-fellowship-advancing-opportunities-for-black-musicians/

And more about Denis here:
Take a Bow: Celebrating Denis de Coteau’s legacy at SF Ballet
https://www.sfballet.org/take-a-bow-celebrating-denis-de-coteaus-legacy-at-sf-ballet/

[pherank]

SFB notice:

2-for-1 Sale! Treat Your Valentine
One week left to get two tickets for the price of one to any Don Quixote performance through the March 5 matinee!

Give your valentine the gift of dance with Don Quixote tickets! This stylish rom-com is filled with endless delights, sparkling wit, and show-stopping dancing.

It's pure fun with bright sets and costumes, and there's even a live donkey onstage! This beloved classic is a spectacle for all ages with ruffled skirts swirling, toreadors strutting, and street dancers cavorting!

To buy tickets, select any Don Quixote performance between Feb 26–Mar 5 matinee and use promo code VDAY now through February 14.

Edited February 9, 2022 by pherank

[PeggyTulle]

Nikisha Fogo has posted pics and video to her IG stories in a walking boot😢😢😢

https://instagram.com/stories/nikishafogo/2769307000641463468?utm_medium=share_sheet

[sf_herminator]

12 hours ago, PeggyTulle said:

Nikisha Fogo has posted pics and video to her IG stories in a walking boot😢😢😢

https://instagram.com/stories/nikishafogo/2769307000641463468?utm_medium=share_sheet

Oh no!!  I was wondering why we haven't seen her during this run.  She had posted on IG that she would be in Blake Works, In the Night 2nd couple, and Symphony in C 2nd movement:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CZCjjwIpISQ/

I was so impressed with her as Sugar Plum Fairy during Nutcracker and was so looking forward to seeing more of her!!

She also posted on IG about the current situation:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CZw_uLhpUFK/

I hope she will be back some time during the season.  Dwight Rhoden had high praise for her - https://www.dancemagazine.com/nikisha-fogo-2/.  I also know she was rehearsing both Don Q and Swan Lake.  Probably will not be able to do Don Q but hopefully Swan Lake.....  Here is a link from Julian McKay's IG:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CW9mBLmJNPJ/.  She was also rehearsing Ratmansky's The Seasons.

[pherank]

We'll just have to hope it's nothing worse than a sprain or shin splints. Otherwise...

[PeggyTulle]

1 hour ago, pherank said:

We'll just have to hope it's nothing worse than a sprain or shin splints. Otherwise...

Agreed, @pherank. Any Frances Chung spotting in Blake Works? I feel like I haven't seen her casted yet this season (post-Nut)...

[Josette]

No, Frances Chung has not been dancing in Programs I and II, and a SFB FB clip had showed her and Nikisha Fogo rehearsing Blakes Works I. 

The casting lists Sasha Mukhamedov dancing with Tiit Helimuts as the Second Couple in In the Night this weekend, which is encouraging news. 

[pherank]

2 hours ago, Josette said:

No, Frances Chung has not been dancing in Programs I and II, and a SFB FB clip had showed her and Nikisha Fogo rehearsing Blakes Works I. 

The casting lists Sasha Mukhamedov dancing with Tiit Helimuts as the Second Couple in In the Night this weekend, which is encouraging news. 

I really hope Sasha is fully healed and ready to dance again. Toi toi toi.

[pherank]

Some good news regarding Nikisha Fogo:

"Recovery update:
Grinding in PT to get back to the dance studio one day at a time ! Thankfully I have @thegarage2955 @activecaresf and the whole team helping me get back on track and even stronger than I was before 💪🏾🙏🏾✨ slowly coming out of the boot and started some light weight baring relevés on the shuttle and a little bit of “barre” work ! We’ve been focusing a lot on strengthening and loosening up my hips so I have the range and strength to better turn out from the hips rather than only from the knees and ankles.

I’ll be back soon❤️🧚🏽‍♀️🙏🏾✨

For those wondering what my injury is :
I had a FHL tenonitis and a big ganglion cyst on the tendon which was affecting my Achilles’ tendon, and because of draining the cyst I got some
Nerve problems💉 to put it in simple terms.❤️grateful to be able to walk without pain now" 🙏🏾

https://www.instagram.com/p/CaSfxF9JA5i/

Edited February 24, 2022 by pherank

[PeggyTulle]

Thanks, @pherank!

[PeggyTulle]

Madison Keesler has noted on IG that she's looking for opportunities and that her schedule is wide open after May 8, which is the last Swan Lake performance... more details about that to come in another post. I read this to be if you want to see Madison dance in SF, now is the time. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CakTqb_p2ob/?utm_medium=copy_link

[pherank]

5 hours ago, PeggyTulle said:

Madison Keesler has noted on IG that she's looking for opportunities and that her schedule is wide open after May 8, which is the last Swan Lake performance... more details about that to come in another post. I read this to be if you want to see Madison dance in SF, now is the time. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CakTqb_p2ob/?utm_medium=copy_link

I should mention that Keesler danced at ENB for a while - and then left. Does she feel that she's not a good fit with Rojo leading? Or is it just a case of "been there, done that"?

[PeggyTulle]

5 minutes ago, pherank said:

I should mention that Keesler danced at ENB for a while - and then left. Does she feel that she's not a good fit with Rojo leading? Or is it just a case of "been there, done that"?

IIRC, she has mentioned in the past that she left due to experiences with leadership. She was part of that mass exodus years ago.

[Phrenchphry11]

A few departures announced today, it seems (SVP in the other thread).  Hope this doesn't mean more announcements soon.

Some of her social media postings have indicated she's been interested in acting and other pursuits, so I wonder if some management changes gave her the final push to make a career transition.  Nevertheless, I'll really miss her.  She is a very charismatic dancer.

[PeggyTulle]

"Danielle St. Germain-Gordon, who has served as the San Francisco Ballet's interim executive director since June, has been named to the post permanently. The unanimous decision by the board's executive committee was announced on Thursday, March 17, after a regularly scheduled board meeting."

 

https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/dance/s-f-ballet-names-new-executive-director-and-shes-a-familiar-face

[pherank]

11 minutes ago, PeggyTulle said:

"Danielle St. Germain-Gordon, who has served as the San Francisco Ballet's interim executive director since June, has been named to the post permanently. The unanimous decision by the board's executive committee was announced on Thursday, March 17, after a regularly scheduled board meeting."

https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/dance/s-f-ballet-names-new-executive-director-and-shes-a-familiar-face

Well that was easy.  😉

Congratulations to Ms. St. Germain-Gordon. Toi toi toi.

[Helene]

Frances Chung posted this to her Instagram account:

Quote

franadian
It has been about 3 months of being unable to dance bc of an injury. Grateful to have been on stage last night. Feels even better to get ready, be nervous, and hang with the gals in rm 10💚💚💚

Click to see the photo:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbOoBCBLyFZ/

[Terez]

Wow, glad I chanced on this thread; I learned a lot about various dancers and their physical health (and futures). Now I know why I haven't seen Nikisha Fogo, in particular, on any casting lists. 

Wishes for a speedy recovery for all. And I was pleased to hear about Danielle St. Germain-Gordon's official hiring for the position she was occupying in the interim. Sounds like a smart, uncomplicated fit. I'm looking forward to seeing some settling of dust in the year (okay, face it, it'll take two years) to come.

[pherank]

But wait, there's more...from Madison Keesler (in the comments section of the post):

"I hurt my neck yesterday and woke up not being able to move much at all today. It should be fine after I see the chiropractor tomorrow. I was so sad to miss today’s show"

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbVihk2v6Fi/

[pherank]

Joe Walsh uploaded a kind of 2022 season commemorative post with some fun photos:

Mid season drop.
It’s been an incredible return to form for all of SFB, but I have to say it’s really turned into a Wona Park Appreciation season for me of late. Saving the day on multiple fronts. Wona Park… destroyer of fans, technical feats, and all that might stand in her way on her path to perfection. Whether it’s as a Sylph or a Kitri, you push me to be a better dancer and artist everyday!!! Not to mention helping me remember when to go on stage when we have only rehearsed twice before a show. We also found out we are capable of doing Don Q with no warm up.

Seriously though, we were back first with Nutcracker, and after a short stint away recovering @franadian is BAcK! I watched her in Seasons last night…. Insane, can’t wait for Swan Lake.

We finally premiered the 2 + year old ballet in waiting by @cathymarston Mrs. Robinson. Thank you to the moon @sarah.vanpatten and @madisonkeesler for the years of work.

We had some In the Night(s) (we worked hard for it @lizzypowell222 ) , Blake Works (thank you @juliarowekim and @wonapark ), Symphony in C ( thanks @isabelladevivo and @doresandre 🧨🧨🧨) third movement firecrackers.

But where would We be without @feldiazinsane in the wings coaching us every inch of the way? Or my dressing room mates @_angelogreco_ and @luke_ingham ? It’s been an incredibly challenging return to stage, but I can’t think of a group to surround me more capable of the challenge than all y’all.

If you haven’t been, come join us for the second half, we are just getting started…. Lol. @sfballet gala this Thursday, I’m dancing @justin_peck ‘s Bloom with @sashadesola !!! And then so much more.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbWo6moue3p/

[pherank]

Madison Keesler will be appearing in a Julian Lennon video:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbyxmRCOyim/

[PeggyTulle]

Madison Keesler is BA lurker🤣

https://instagram.com/stories/madisonkeesler/2816054432682769527?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

[pherank]

7 hours ago, PeggyTulle said:

Madison Keesler is BA lurker🤣

https://instagram.com/stories/madisonkeesler/2816054432682769527?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

LOL - and apparently she's not the only one. I guess we need to be careful what we say.  😉

[PeggyTulle]

Oooh. Who else???

[pherank]

20 hours ago, PeggyTulle said:

Oooh. Who else???

Hearsay - nothing admissible on the forum. You get the gold star for finding an actual mention on the Internet. I'm sure Helene would back me up in saying that ballet company staff are aware of what gets said on the forum.
I assume you know that an SFB staff person is a long time member of this forum (but is not able to have opinions or do much of any posting now because of their official association with SFB). That brings up the reason why we don't get juicy insider info from the ballet world - most dancers and staff are directed to not make public comments about their companies, artists and repertoire. So statements get limited to the, "Rehearsing a new role! Can't wait for you guys to see it!" variety. But I suppose it also makes official company videos interviewing dancers, or discussing  upcoming ballets, more interesting since we're starved for information.