A “Brokening” Night at the SF Ballet
Last Thursday, Jan 16 2020, was the 87TH REPERTORY SEASON of the Opening Night of the Ballet. This readership is likely thinking ‘so how did we afford to attend one of the Bay Area’s most anticipated annual events? More importantly, how can I get some affordable ballet in my life?’
Sofiane Sylve and Carlo Di Lanno in the white swan pas de deux from Dawson’s Swan Lake // © Erik Tomasson
If you are 21–39, then you too can be on The List! Think: $29 and $49 tickets to the best ballet in town, exclusive member happy hours, and early access. During the company’s repertory season, which runs from now until May 7, List members receive an email on Mondays with details of that week’s ticket availability.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – January 16 – Atmosphere at SF Ballet Opening Night Gala 2020 on January 16th 2020 at War Memorial in San Francisco, CA (Photo – Jaime Borschuk for Drew Altizer Photography)
SF Ballet’s Opening Night was the perfect excuse to borrow my most fashionable friend’s outfit and soak in the culture of dance and the eye candy of all the stunning attendees of all ages. The night began with a cocktail reception and dinner by McCalls Catering & Events at San Francisco City Hall, followed by a one-night-only performance at the War Memorial Opera House.
CityHall was shockingly transformed from the daily workings of politics and weddings, to San Francisco’s best After Party featuring live music, sweets, savories, libations, and dancing. The evening consisted of twelve dance pieces, which felt like getting a twelve-for-one-ballet-season special, to see a preview of the season to come. Their performances showcased three world premieres by current and former members of SF Ballet’s Company: Val Caniparoli, Choreographer in Residence Yuri Possokhov, and Myles Thatcher.
Jennie Scholick, the Associate Director of Audience Engagement for the SFBallet, internally referred to as the ballet’s “in-house scholar,” says that “ It is really important for us to make the ballet more accessible to a younger, more diverse and wider audience and The List is definitely the best way to get affordable tickets, overall.”
I was really excited to see a lot of fun and bold fashion choices by the younger attendees.
Christian Squires (middle) and friends looking fierce
The next must-go-to events are the Feb 12 2020, Sensorium performance, which is an affordable performance marketed to a younger audience, and Nite Out, the SF Ballet’s long-running LGBTQIA+ post-performance and meet up.
Writer Alexandra Liss in Chloe Neilson’s stunning borrowed dress
Aaron Buchbinder enjoying an appetizer of mini tacos hosted by ENCORE!, the social and networking group of young professionals supporting SF Ballet
If you really get inspired to get friends together and see multiple performances and end up spending $600 during the January–May Repertory Season, the ballet will reward you with priority access to the Opening Night Gala and After Party for next season.
Overall, it was a priceless evening filled with eye candy, athleticism, grace, a mixing of both old and new San Francisco. Despite the challenges of living in this city filled with the dichotomy of both wealth and struggle, this was one of those magical nights that reminded me of how lucky we are to ultimately be here.
Get on the SF Ballet List Here.
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