San Francisco Ballet’s evolution as a creative pillar in the dance world owes much to its visionary leaders, as the company prepares to honor its legacy during this year’s Spring Festival.
Since 1952, only four Artistic Directors have guided the company, each imprinting a unique mark on its history and development.
The Spring Festival promises to highlight the contributions of these distinguished leaders, showcasing choreography that reflects their impact on SF Ballet’s rich narrative.
Lew Christensen served as the company’s first Artistic Director from 1952 to 1984 and is remembered as a trailblazer in American ballet.
Notably, Christensen became the first American-born male principal dancer in a major ballet company, transforming SF Ballet from a regional troupe into a nationally recognized institution.
He was a strong proponent of American choreography, fostering a distinctive West Coast ballet identity that continues to influence the company today.
This season, the SF Ballet School Trainees will perform Christensen’s last work, Vivaldi Concerto Grosso, created in 1981.
Returning to the classical essence of dance, the piece symbolizes pure movement free from narrative constraints, representing one of Christensen’s most significant choreographic achievements.
Michael Smuin, who served alongside Christensen from 1973 to 1985 as Co-Artistic Director, infused the company with theatrical innovation and a distinctive cinematic flair.
His crowd-pleasing works expanded the company’s repertoire while attracting new audiences by blending classical ballet technique with contemporary storytelling.
During the Spring Festival, audiences can look forward to the revival of Smuin’s Quattro a Verdi, which premiered on May 9, 1978.
This performance is significant as it marks exactly 47 years since its debut, celebrating its artistic merit and technical prowess through the dancers’ performances.
Helgi Tomasson took the helm as Artistic Director from 1985 until 2022, dramatically elevating the company’s profile on a global scale.
A former principal dancer with New York City Ballet, Tomasson’s leadership was marked by a balance of classical elegance and modern dynamism.
Audiences will also enjoy the return of Tomasson’s Handel – A Celebration, which had its world premiere in 1989.
The revival is poignant as original cast members—including School Director Grace Holmes and Rehearsal Director Joanna Berman—are now coaching current students in this artistic endeavor.
The most recent Artistic Director, Tamara Rojo, took the reins in December 2022, bringing her extensive experience as both a dancer and leader in the ballet world.
Rojo’s prior tenure as Artistic Director at London’s English National Ballet established her as a celebrated figure in the dance community.
Under her guidance, SF Ballet embraces a new chapter that honors its heritage while commissioning contemporary works from leading choreographers and spotlighting emerging talent.
This season marks the North American premiere of Rojo’s reimagined Raymonda, derived from Petipa’s classic and scored by Alexander Glazunov.
Students at SF Ballet School have diligently prepared to present excerpts from this iconic work, which will be performed by the Grammy Award-winning SF Ballet Orchestra at the Spring Festival.
From Lew Christensen’s pioneering vision to Tamara Rojo’s invigorating approach, the Artistic Directors of San Francisco Ballet remain integral to the company’s commitment to artistic excellence and innovation.
As the company embarks on this new era, it retains a steadfast dedication to evolving its rich legacy in ballet.
Mark your calendars: the SF Ballet School Spring Festival is scheduled for May 9 and 10 at the esteemed War Memorial Opera House.
image source from：https://www.sfballet.org/discover/backstage/a-legacy-in-motion/
