From Buffet to Ballet: Young Patrons Circle’s Affordable Access to San Francisco’s Arts

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – January 24 – Atmosphere at San Francisco Ballet Gala Opening Celebration 2024 on January 24th 2024 at San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco, CA (Photo – Drew Altizer)

The ballet season has just commenced with a spectacular Opening Night Performance and Gala! The bold fashion, decadence, and show of the younger generation was unprecedented this year.

Are you seeking an opportunity this 2024 to immerse yourself in the top-tier young socialite arts and nightlife scene without fully draining your wallet? As a member of the Young Patrons Circle (ages 21-40…ish), you have an exclusive chance to secure fantastic tickets for the upcoming season and other perks. January 24th marked the beginning of an extraordinary season, and rest assured, it is just the beginning.

Angela Watson, Jacey Galliard and Eduardo Cazarez (Photo – Katie Ravas for Drew Altizer Photography)

Consider it an investment. Would you rather meet your potential future spouse within these circles or continue getting ghosted on Hinge? Being a Young Patrons Circle member comes with exclusive discounts on so many events, such as the Opening Night Gala. You’ll enjoy a cocktail buffet reception in the South Light Court of City Hall, premium performance seating in the Dress Circle level, and an After Party ticket. The YPC Corps de Ballet annual membership is $149.

Esther O’Leary, Sadie O’Leary and Nancy Pelosi (Photo – Drew Altizer)

Kalla Vieaux, YPC Gala Co-Chair, says, “The Young Patrons Circle Gala offers a more informal and delightful way to experience opening night. Unlike the main Gala where guests are seated for dinner, Young Patrons Circle guests revel in a light court filled with buffet-style McCalls Catering options, a full bar, and the freedom to mingle without being tethered to a table.”

YPC membership opens the door to young professionals for SF Ballet ticket discounts, exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences, social events, and more. Additional information can be found here, including a helpful FAQ that covers attire guidelines, how to get involved, the ballet experience, and more. It’s worth noting that the Young Patrons Circle was previously known as ENCORE!.

Sean Hayes, Jay Lai, Anna Haase, Lynn Chiu-Collins, Mitch Fleming, Dean Yao and Karina Skuggedal (Photo – Katie Ravas for Drew Altizer Photography)

Vieaux also shares her personal experience, stating, “I had never attended the ballet before my first Opening Night Gala. As a recent Midwest transplant attending college in San Francisco, a friend invited me to the main dinner in the rotunda. I was captivated by the glamour of it all. By the end of the performance, San Francisco had become my city, and attending the ballet became my favorite pastime. Young Patrons Circle (then ENCORE!) offered me an affordable way to engage at that age and introduced me to other young arts enthusiasts.”

DJ attends San Francisco Ballet Gala Opening Celebration 2024 (Photo – Katie Ravas for Drew Altizer Photography)

This Gala isn’t just about indulging in glamour; it’s about making a meaningful impact. Your presence at the Gala After Party directly contributes to the noble mission of the San Francisco Ballet. Your attendance supports the creation of new works, the preservation of classical ballet masterpieces, provides scholarships for aspiring SF Ballet School students, and enriches the lives of Bay Area youth, families, and seniors through community education programs. It’s a night that seamlessly combines art and impact.

Laurelly Dale (Photo – Natalie Schrik for Drew Altizer Photography)

The Gala gave us the privilege of rubbing shoulders with distinguished guests like Nancy Pelosi, Speaker Emerita of the US House of Representatives, and Mr. Paul Pelosi. The entertainment was exceptional as well – we danced the night away to the beats of DJs Adam Swig & Beatific, Nooka Jones, Mr. Big Happy, and Mozhgan. And if that’s not enough to get your feet moving, the legendary Wonder Bread 5 delivered live music that transported us through time.

This is your golden opportunity to be part of a unique (and fabulously dressed) community that supports the vibrant arts scene in the Bay Area. Don’t let this chance to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of dance, while making a significant, impact slip through your fingers.

Thank you to the gorgeous and legendary photography provided by Drew Altizer, Devlin Shand, Katie Ravas, Jessica Monroy, Natalie Schrik, Barry Muniz for Drew Altizer Photography:  https://drewaltizer.com/