San Francisco Ballet Meet the Artist Interviews

Patti Fitzpatrick

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:03:45 -0700

Patti describes the process of creating the new costumes for Helgi Tomasson and Yuri Possokhov’s Don Quixote and explains the role of SF Ballet’s wardrobe department in preparing the costumes for performances. She also describes her preparations for the Company’s upcoming tours and the next repertory season, as well as the off-season maintenance required to keep costumes in top form.

Luke Willis

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:02:00 -0700

Luke Willis discusses his unique start in ballet, and muses on his life and career in dance. He considers the pitfalls and the perks of being a professional dancer. The topics range from his take on the critical importance of social media in the arts today, to his thoughts about the varied roles that make dancing so satisfying. Finally, as a key birth date approaches for him, Luke reveals his post dance-career plans - which are quite surprising!

Jane Green

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:00:17 -0700

Claire Sheridan, Founder of the LEAP Program at Saint Mary's College, interviews Jane Green, the Stage Manager for the San Francisco Ballet
Jane describes her role as stage manager for SFB's performances in the Opera House, as well as when the company goes on tour. She provides insight into the creative aspects of the work, talks about calling cues for the most complicated ballets, and recognizes the skill and talent of the other professionals working backstage with her during a performance.

Frances Chung

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:04:26 -0700

Frances Chung, named a principal dancer in 2009, discusses the challenges and pleasures of performing the role of Kitri in the full-length Don Quixote for the first time this season. She reminisces about her arrival at SFB as a very young dancer, after winning prizes in the Prix de Lausanne and the Adeline Genée Awards. She speaks about how each role in many different styles as enabled her to grow as an artist.

Dr. Beth Genné

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:56:43 -0700

Professor Genné discusses the life of choreographer George Balanchine and his importance to the development of American Ballet. She describes his influences and inspirations as well as themes that emerge in his works before discussing in turn each of the ballets on the afternoon’s program: Divertimento No. 15, Scotch Symphony, and The Four Temperaments.

Pascal Molat

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:54:38 -0700

Pascal Molat discusses his diverse and challenging roles - ranging from the comedic role of Sancho Panza in Don Quixote to the sullen and pensive Poet in The Little Mermaid. Molat also talks about the importance of mentoring young dancers as he considers a post-dancing career as a Ballet Master or coach.

Garen Price Scribner

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:52:39 -0700

The interview begins with a look at Program 7, an all-Balanchine evening. Soloist Garen Scribner discusses his roles in The Four Temperaments and his work on Scotch Symphony as a student at North Carolina School of the Arts, where he trained with former New York City Ballet principal dancer Melissa Hayden. Garen also talks about his work with Get in Front, a cancer-prevention initiative, and the benefit performance coming up on June 6 at the Herbst Theater, as well as dancing in a L’Oreal commercial with Jennifer Lopez. The Q&A discussion touches on dance notation, Balanchine’s style and legacy, and more.

Courtney Elizabeth

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:26:07 -0700

In her seven years with the Company before she became a soloist, Courtney Elizabeth danced many soloist and principal roles. She discusses her transition from a San Francisco Ballet School student watching performances in standing room, to a corps de ballet dancer who danced in every performance in 2010, to her promotion to soloist in 2011. In discussing the 2012 Repertory Season, she relates her experiences in working on Onegin, Trio, Symphonic Dances, Glass Pieces, and Raymonda. Also touched on are her bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s LEAP program; what it’s like to work with her husband, fellow dancer Matthew Stewart; and her volunteer efforts for Children of Uganda.

Daniel Deivison-Oliveira

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:27:32 -0700

Daniel Deivison-Oliveira

Ricardo Bustamante

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:24:44 -0700

Ballet Master Ricardo Bustamante describes his role in working with a choreographer or stager in teaching a ballet to the Company and rehearsing it later on his own. He talks specifically about his work with Ashley Page in creating the Program 6 world premiere, Guide to Strange Places, focusing on the challenges of learning unconventional movement and working with a complex, difficult musical score. Later in the interview he outlines his responsibilities as assistant to Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson, discusses his history as director of two companies in South America, and talks about his favorite role as a character dancer.

Ashley Page

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:23:04 -0700

Ashley Page talks about the world premiere of his newly commissioned work, Guide to Strange Places. Page reveals his motivation and inspiration for this ballet, and distills his unique approach to the creative process. He discusses the intricate process of selecting dancers and choosing the right music for new works.

Martino (Marty) Pistone

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:20:36 -0700

Fight Director Martino (Marty) Pistone describes the creation of the sword fights and other stage combat in Helgi Tomasson’s Romeo and Juliet. He discusses the styles of fencing and the weapons used, as well as the process of teaching dancers the fight choreography. He also discusses working with the dancers for the crowd scenes during the fights, and his performing role as the Prince of Verona.

Damian Smith

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:18:44 -0700

Principal Dancer Damian Smith discusses dancing Tybalt in Romeo & Juliet, including his approach to the character, learning to sword fight, and the nuances of working with various Romeos over the years. He talks at length about the 2010 tour to Australia he produced and directed, performing with a select handful of SF Ballet principal dancers. And he looks back on his 16 years with SF Ballet and what he’s learned about himself, why he dances, partnering, and making each performance fresh.

Sarah Van Patten and Pierre Francois Villanoba

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:16:01 -0700

Principal dancers Sarah Van Patten and Pierre Francois Villanoba described their growth in the title roles of Romeo & Juliet. They referenced their experiences of the ballet prior to performing Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson's version. Pierre Francois described the challenges of learning, rehearsing, and performing the spectacular sword fights.

Vito Mazzeo

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:56:20 -0800

Principal Dancer Vito Mazzeo danced in five of six ballets in Programs 2 and 3, and in this interview he goes into detail about rehearsing and performing Yuri Possokhov’s Francesa da Rimini, Helgi Tomasson’s Trio, and Mark Morris’ Beaux. After explaining how seeing Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Winter Dreams as a young boy inspired him to dance, he describes his training at Milan’s La Scala Ballet School and his transition to San Francisco Ballet after dancing in Britain and Italy. Drawn to the Company because of its excellence and varied repertory, he talks about what it means to him as an artist to experience such range and opportunities for growth.

Francisco Mungamba

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:56:31 -0800

Mr. Mc Neal and Mungamba discuss Francisco’s auspicious beginnings in his native Spain, and his transition to the San Francisco Ballet School. Mungamba further discusses his ascent from the school to the Company, a journey that includes his successful competition in the Prix de Lausanne (2010 Silver Medal Winner), and much more.

Ruben Martin Cintas

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:50:41 -0800

Ruben talks about why he likes his job, what it feels like to dance in contemporary works like Christopher Wheeldon's Number Nine and Morris' Beaux, and how he likes to spend his time when he's not dancing. He also describes how he sees the character of Eugene Onegin and why it is his "dream role."

Dana Genshaft

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:48:08 -0800

Dana describes her ballet training at three very different schools prior to her arrival at SF Ballet in 2000. She discusses her role in Helgi Tomasson’s Trio and describes what it is like to work with Helgi in the studio. She also talks about the challenges of learning new ballets and balancing her on-stage career with her role as a mother.

Tiit Helimets

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:57:49 -0800

Dance Educator Mary Wood interviews Principal Dancer Tiit Helimets

Maria Kochetkova and Vitor Luiz

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:59:21 -0800

Dance Educator Mary Wood interviews Principal Dancers Maria Kochetkova and Vitor Luiz

Katita Waldo and Pascal Molat

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:14:12 -0800

Cheryl A. Ossola, SF Ballet writer and Dance Studio Life magazine editor in chief, interviews Ballet Master Katita Waldo and Principal Dancer Pascal Molat. After Cheryl offers a brief overview of Onegin’s history, Katita and Pascal discuss what makes Onegin so compelling, the process of bringing it to the stage, the uniquely challenging partnering in the pas de deux, and the experience of working with Stuttgart Ballet’s artistic director, Reid Anderson, and Cranko ballet stager Jane Bourne, who uses a notation system. Also, Katita shares her experiences in rehearsing Principal Dancers Vanessa Zahorian and Davit Karapetyan (each ballet master was assigned to one cast), and Pascal talks about developing the role of Gremin and how being a parent has affected his approach to his work.

Sarah Van Patten and Pierre-François Vilanoba.

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:14:44 -0800

Charles Chip Mc Neal, SF Ballet Director of Education interviews Principal Dancers, Sarah Van Patten and Pierre-François Vilanoba.Charles Mc Neal and his guests discuss the new SF Ballet production of John Cranko’s ballet, Onegin. Van Patten and Vilanoba offer insight into their preparation for the lead roles of Tatiana and Onegin. Each considers the challenges and the joys of portraying these dramatic, iconic characters. They also discuss how the steps themselves are imbued with so much emotional depth, the expressive disposition of the characterizations are readily apparent – “The steps are the emotions.”

Debra Bernard

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:29:33 -0700

Planned Giving Manager Allison Groves interviews General Manager Debra Bernard. Allison and Debra discuss the logistics of presenting Neumeier’s The Little Mermaid at SF Ballet and the recent filming that will bring the production to television and DVD. Debra also describes the artistic process of programming the recently announced 2012 Repertory Season, including the commission of several new works.

Martin West

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:10:37 -0700

Education Director Charles Mc Neal interviews Music Director and Principal Conductor Martin West. Mc Neal and West discuss the provocative and evocative music of Lera Auerbach who was commissioned for The Little Mermaid. West then talks about the particulars of the orchestra composition as it pertains to this ballet. He goes to share his thoughts and insights about making audio recordings of certain works, and how that may or may not contribute to a conductor’s legacy.

Tiit Helimets

Fri, 06 May 2011 12:51:05 -0700

Founder of St. Mary's College of California LEAP Program Claire Sheridan interviews Principal Dancer Tiit Helimets

Madison Keesler

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:40:34 -0700

Madison discusses her excellent training at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and her move to San Francisco Ballet School to complete her training. She also divulges the fascinating story of her apprenticeship with Hamburg Ballet, and later, her transition to the San Francisco Ballet Company.

Jacques d’Amboise

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:43:29 -0700

Jacques d’Amboise discusses his career as a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet working with George Balanchine, and his connections to San Francisco Ballet and former artistic directors Willam and Lew Christensen as well as current artistic director and principal choreographer Helgi Tomasson. He describes Balanchine’s Apollo, which he coached at San Francisco Ballet, and tells how he was scouted for the film Seven Brides for Seven Brothers while performing at the War Memorial Opera House. He talks about why he founded the National Dance Institute and the importance of arts education.

Holly Hynes, Costume designer for Christopher Wheeldon's Number Nine

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:41:08 -0700

Ms. Hynes offers a lively account of her rise to prominence as Director of Costumes for New York City Ballet and a leading authority in the reproduction of important ballet works. She describes her commission to design costumes for Wheeldon, elaborating on the process from inception to premiere performance. During a spirited Q&A with the audience, she shares anecdotes from her rich experience.

Patti Fitzpatrick

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:54:10 -0700

Planned Giving Manager Allison Groves interviews Costume Supervisor Patti Fitzpatrick. Allison and Patti discuss the creation of ballet costumes, focusing on the new production of Alexandra Danilova and George Balanchine’s Coppélia. Patti explains the construction of tutus, how one costume can be made to fit many dancers, and the maintenance required to keep costumes in top condition.

Doug Fullington

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:44:35 -0700

San Francisco Ballet’s 2011 Visiting Scholar Doug Fullington. Doug Fullington, dance scholar and historian gives a detailed history of Coppélia tracing the ballet’s lineage from its origins in France, on into Russia and, finally, over to America, culminating in George Balanchine’s brilliant 1974 production for New York City Ballet. Doug also talks about his role at Pacific Northwest Ballet and how his knowledge of Stepanov notation is informing a new production of the ballet Giselle.

Anita Paciotti

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:10:54 -0700

Registrar Kirsten Gamb interviews Ballet Master and Principal Character Dancer, Anita Paciotti.
Kirsten and Anita discuss some of Anita’s favorite memories in her early years after joining the company in 1968. She gives us an overview of the changes and evolution of the Company to present. Ms. Paciotti tells the audience about the role and process of restaging and rehearsing ballet works. Anita concludes with an overview of Balanchine’sCoppelia and the inclusion of San Francisco Ballet School’s students in the performance.

Ricardo Bustamante

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:14:01 -0700

Assistant to the Artistic Director and Ballet Master, Ricardo Bustamante. Ricardo describes the rich history of the ballet, Coppélia, and its value in a company's repertoire, both from the audience's and the dancers' point of view. He discusses the place that character roles have in a dancer's career as well as in a company's repertoire, and elaborates on his own interpretation of the role of Dr. Coppélius.

Elana Altman

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:34:14 -0800

Registrar Kirsten Gamb interviews Soloist Elana Altman. Kirsten and Elana discuss her growing up at San Francisco Ballet School and the transition into the Company. Elana also talks about her participation in the LEAP program and her senior project on Nutrition as it pertains to Dance Injury. Elana shares with the audience her insight in her role in Artifact Suite and the improvisational work in Forsythe’s pieces.

Val Caniparoli

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:32:04 -0800

Writer and Editor Cheryl Ossola interviews Principal Character Dancer Val Caniparoli. Val talks about creating the role of Jacob Schmidt in Helgi Tomasson’s Nanna’s Lied and other roles he’s performed in his 30-plus-year history at SF Ballet. An in-demand choreographer with more than 60 ballets in his repertory, he discusses his development and methods as a choreographer, including his work for the 75th-Anniversary Season’s New Works Festival, Ibsen’s House, and his latest piece for SF Ballet, Double Stop, created for this year’s Gala. He talks about how a ballet changes from rehearsal to performance, adapting his works to other companies, and upcoming projects, and he announces the launch of his website, valcaniparoli.org.

Bruce Sansom

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:04:43 -0800

Board Relations Manager Jennifer Kovacevich interviews Ballet Master and Assistant to the Artistic Director Bruce Sansom. Jennifer and Bruce discuss Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Winter Dreams. Bruce describes the creation of the piece and the intention of the choreographer to distill the characters and relationships of Anton Chekhov’s play The Three Sisters into a pure dance-drama. They discuss the unique challenges the ballet presents the dancers and touch on the use of Benesh Movement Notation in the staging of the work for SF Ballet.

Mark Zappone

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 13:58:48 -0800

Charles Chip Mc Neal, Director of Education interviews Costume Designer Mark Zappone Mr. Zappone discusses his past and present association with San Francisco Ballet. He explains how he approaches the collaborative process and how he must attend to the needs and desires of the choreographer and the dancers. He goes on to describe the design and construction process for costumes this season. Finally, Mr. Zappone describes his work with choreographer Yuri Possokhov on RakU, and goes into elaborate detail on the costumes he has designed for Helgi Tomasson’s World Premiere, Trio

Jodie Gates

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:13:36 -0800

Jodie Gates, répétiteur for William Forsythe’s Artifact Suite, discussed her role in staging the work. She described the works of Forsythe as she has come to know them through performing with his company, and she stressed the characteristics of musicality and physicality that dominate his choreography.

Christopher Dennis

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:25:18 -0800

Charles Chip Mc Neal, Director of Education interviews Technical Director Christopher Dennis. New San Francisco Ballet Technical Director Christopher Dennis discusses his strategic role as a bridge between the Artistic and Production departments. He gives insight into his dual role as Technical Director and lighting designer. Finally, Dennis relates the highs and lows of putting a production on the stage, both in SF and on tour.

Sofiane Sylve

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:09:11 -0800

Claire Sheridan of Saint Mary's College interviews Principal Dancer Sofiane Sylve. Sofiane shares her thoughts about the character of Myrtha in the ballet Giselle, and discusses how the magic of the stage supersedes the physical pain that can be part of a dancer's career. She also talks about how the world of ballet is portrayed in popular movies.

Courtney Elizabeth

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:30:40 -0800

Board Relations Manager Jennifer Kovacevich interviews Soloist Courtney Elizabeth Jennifer and Courtney discuss Courtney’s roles in Sir Frederick Ashton’s Symphonic Variations and George Balanchine’s Symphony in C. Courtney describes the stylistic differences and respective challenges of each ballet, and also discusses the roles she’s looking forward to dancing later in the season.

Wendy Ellis Somes

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:28:25 -0800

Cecelia Beam, HR Manager and Adult Education Coordinator interviews Wendy Ellis Somes Wendy discusses how she became the owner and custodian of Sir Frederick Ashton’s Symphonic Variations and Cinderella . Having worked directly with Ashton, Wendy shares in-depth insights into the creation of the choreography, set and costume design of Symphonic Variations. She speaks about how the choreography challenges dancers in its demand for technical precision and meditative artistry.

Daniel Baker

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:26:27 -0800

Writer and Editor Cheryl Ossola interviews Corps de Ballet Dancer Daniel Baker Daniel, a native of Newcastle, Australia, explains how he got started in ballet and discusses his years as a student at the School of American Ballet and a dancer at Miami City Ballet. At San Francisco Ballet, he faced a new challenge in dancing the role of Hilarion in Giselle, and he talks about his experience in learning to do mime and character acting. Daniel also talks about his choreography (he received a New York Choreographic Institute Fellowship Grant in 2009) and how he was asked to dance in a Twyla Tharp ballet to be broadcast on TV’s Dance in America.

Helgi Tomasson

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:11:20 -0800

Mary Wood interviews Helgi Tomasson, Artistic Director and Principal Choreographer Helgi presented an overview of the 78th Season, pointing out highlights such as the world premiere ballets and San Francisco ballet premieres. He discussed the evening's ballet, Giselle, and how important he feels it is for the repertoire of the company, as well as for the growth of the ballerinas who portray the title role. He expressed his excitement over the upcoming company premiere of Coppelia, and what an important addition it is to the repertoire.

Rubén Martín Cintas

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:06:33 -0800

Planned Giving Manager Allison Groves interviews Principal Dancer Rubén Martín Cintas

Rubén discusses interpreting the roles he dances, including that of Hilarion in Giselle, and how the Company prepares for a new season of ballet. He explains the preparation needed for the variety of dance styles presented by SF Ballet, and the difference between dancing with the Company and dancing as a guest artist at other ballet companies. He also recalls his early years of ballet training with his brothers and the years that he and his brother Moises Martín danced together.

Pascal Molat

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 13:23:53 -0700

Pascal shares his artistic process in approaching the role of The Poet in Neumeier’s The Little Mermaid.

Martin West and Carolina Eyck

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 13:24:30 -0700

In this installment of MTA, Charles and his guests discuss the music of The Little Mermaid, including the presence of the unique electronic instrument, the Theremin. Ms. Eyck gives an informative musical demonstration.

Lloyd Riggins

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 13:24:57 -0700

Mr. Riggins discusses his work with Hamburg Ballet, his work with John Neumeier and the production of The Little Mermaid.

Maria Kochetkova

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:01:25 -0700

Director of Education Charles Mc Neal interviews Principal Dancer Maria Kochetkova
Charles delves into Maria’s past and inquires about how she prepares for her most challenging roles in Swan Lake and Romeo & Juliet.

Joan Boada

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 13:25:47 -0700

Mary asks Joan what he finds most challenging in dance, and how he approaches his work in the idiosyncratic Forsythe ballet, in the middle somewhat elevated.

Pierre-Francois Vilanoba

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:26:52 -0700

Pierre-Francios talks about the differences among choreographers and the process of learning a dance, including partnering.

Elana Altman

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:24:40 -0700

Charles McNeal asks Elana about her journey from SF ballet School to Company member to SF Ballet Soloist.

Pauli Magierek and Ricardo Bustamante

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:22:13 -0700

Cecelia Beam and her guests provide an in-depth look at Program 2 including the historical connections to returning works.

Debra Bernard

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:18:43 -0700

Debra gives us an inside look at the pivotal role of the General Manager at San Francisco Ballet.

Katita Waldo

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:29:48 -0700

Katita discusses her long and successful career at San Francisco and the imminent changes coming with her forthcoming retirement at the end of the 2010 season.

Mary Louise Geiger and Laura Jellinek

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:11:25 -0700

On opening night of Program 2, Mary discusses the work of Christopher Wheeldon with key members of his design team.

Pascale Leroy

Mon, 03 May 2010 12:17:58 -0700

Charles and Pascal discuss the work of ballet icon, George Balanchine and they talk about the multiple roles Pascal holds at San Francisco Ballet including teacher, coach, and Character

Betsy Erickson

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:07:35 -0700

Cecelia interviews Betsy about the duties and responsibilities of a Ballet Master.

Bruce Sansom

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:03:19 -0700

Bruce discusses Swan Lake and his roles as Ballet Master and Assistant to the Artistic Director. He gives insights into his approach to teaching and coaching the Company.

Garen Scribner

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:06:10 -0700

Claire Sheridan interviews Soloist Garen Scribner Claire and Bruce discuss his curious start in ballet and his life as a dancer today.

Maria Kochetkova

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:54:24 -0700

Writer and Editor Cheryl Ossola meets with San Francisco Ballet Principal Dancer, Maria Kochetkova. Kochetkova discusses her early training in Russia, her dance philosophy, and the advantages of dance on TV and film.

Katita Waldo

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:52:14 -0700

Kirsten Gamb of San Francisco Ballet School interviews Principal Dancer, Katita Waldo. They discuss the inspirations of her life and her career in dance.

Pascal Molat

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:48:48 -0700

Director of Education, Charles Chip Mc Neal interviews Principal Dancer, Pascal Molat about the contrast between athleticism and technique. Mr. Molat discusses his approach to character dancing, and the impact of dance competitions on his life.

Tina LeBlanc

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:46:54 -0700

San Francisco Ballet Adult Education Coordinator Cecelia Beam interviews Principal Dancer Tina Leblanc about her 17 year career at San Francisco Ballet and her impending retirement.

Jean-Pierre Frohlich

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:11:45 -0700

Claire Sheridan of St Mary’s College interviews Jean-Pierre Frohlich of the Jerome Robbins Trust. Mr. Frohlich explains what it means to ”stage a ballet” and the process of setting the ballet’s West Side Story Suite and Fancy Free.

Soloist Elana Altman

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:09:40 -0700

Cheryl Ossola Interviews Soloist Elana Altman. Elana Altman discusses the advantages of being a tall female in ballet, her training and her favorites ballets.

Principal Dancer Tiit Helimets

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:07:41 -0700

Former Principal Dancer Joanna Berman interviews Principal Dancer Tiit Helimets. Tiit Helimets talks about the challenges of planning, rehearsing and preparing for multiple roles on the same program at the same time and more.

Principal Dancer Sarah Van Patten

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:04:38 -0700

Professor Claire Sheridan of St. Mary’s College of Moraga interviews Principal Dancer Sarah Van Patten. Sarah Van Patten discusses the artistic balance between character development and technical precision.

Principal Character Dancer and Ballet Master Anita Paciotti

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:59:49 -0700

Kirsten Gamb interviews Principal Character Dancer and Ballet Master Anita Paciotti. Anita Paciotti discusses her early years as a dancer and the role of the Ballet Master in assisting choreographers and setting new ballets.

Principal Dancer Kirsten Long

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:56:12 -0700

Dance Scholar Mary Wood interviews Principal Dancer Kirsten Long. Kirsten Long discusses the challenges and excitement of dancing key historic roles such as Giselle.

Principal Dancer Yuan Yuan Tan

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:52:10 -0700

SF Ballet Company Manager Robert Russo interviews Principal Dancer Yuan Yuan Tan. Yuan Yuan Tan discusses playing the title role in Yuri Possokov’s Firebird. She also discusses fashion and popular culture.

Soloist Rory Hohenstein

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:52:53 -0700

SF Ballet Company Manager Robert Russo Interviews Soloist Rory Hohenstein. Rory Hohenstein discusses following in the footsteps of legendary dancer/choreographer Lew Christensen in the role of Mac in Filing Station.

James Sofranko

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:53:00 -0700

Mary Wood interviews Soloist James Sofranko.

Rachel Viselli

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:53:10 -0700

Dance Studio Life Editor in Chief Cheryl Ossola interviews Principal Dancer Rachel Viselli.

Garrett Anderson

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 10:51:44 -0800

Former Principal Dancer Muriel Maffre interviews Soloist Garrett Anderson.

Lynn Garafola

Tue, 22 May 2007 11:48:02 -0700

Dance critic, historian, professor, and author Lynn Garafola talks about ballet's current period of transition, her fondest memories of dance, and the job of the dance critic. She advises even newcomers to dance to trust their instincts about what they like or don't like in a performance.

Principal Dancer Molly Smolen

Tue, 22 May 2007 11:52:11 -0700

Principal Dancer Molly Smolen’s professional career started when she was 14. She talks to Charles McNeal about leaving home at such a young age, performing with fellow Principal Dancer and husband Tiit Helimets, and returning to the U.S. after seven years abroad.

Principal Dancer Pascal Molat

Tue, 22 May 2007 11:51:46 -0700

Principal Dancer Pascal Molat cites Michael Jackson as his first dance inspiration. Hear more about what Molat has done since taking up breakdancing in the 1980s and how he has met the challenges of being a professional ballet dancer for more than 10 years.

Principal Dancer Rory Hohenstein

Tue, 22 May 2007 11:51:18 -0700

San Francisco Ballet Soloist Rory Hohenstein talks about the gutsy move he made to become a member of the Company, the physical demands of being a professional dancer, and his brush with celebrity as the subject of a children's book-about dance, of course.

Jean-Pierre Frohlich

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 16:15:26 -0700

After staging Jerome Robbins' Fancy Free for San Francisco Ballet, Jean-Pierre Frohlich talks about what is involved in preserving the legacy of this legendary choreographer as a member of the Robbins Rights Trust.

The Creative Team Behind Eden/Eden

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 15:23:47 -0700

Eden/Eden, Wayne McGregor's thought-provoking contemporary ballet that envisions a world of cloned humans, enjoyed its U.S. premiere during Program 4 this repertory season. McGregor, Costume Designer Ursula Bombshell, Lighting Designer Charles Balfour, and Filmmaker Ravi Deepres talk about their partnership in bringing Eden/Eden to the stage.

Conductor Martin West

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 15:22:23 -0700

SF Ballet Music Director and Principal Conductor Martin West, a native of England, talks about the many hats he wears, what it takes to be a conductor and to become a member of the ballet orchestra, and what he thinks is the most difficult orchestral score, The Sleeping Beauty.

Principal Dancer Joan Boada

Tue, 22 May 2007 11:51:01 -0700

Principal Dancer Joan Boada made a risky decision in fleeing his native Cuba to dance in countries around the world, and finally the United States. In this Meet the Artist Interview, hear more about that, his training regimen, and how he ended up with eight stitches in his head after playing Albrecht in Giselle.

Principal Dancer Tina LeBlanc

Tue, 22 May 2007 11:50:45 -0700

Tina LeBlanc, a principal dancer with SF Ballet since 1992, has balanced a challenging and eminently successful career with raising two children. She talks about her involvement with dance beyond performing onstage, her relationships with younger dancers, and bringing her two young sons to see the ballet.