Inside the San Francisco Ballet's First-Ever Virtual Gala
Inside the San Francisco Ballet's First-Ever Virtual Gala
On January 14th, the San Francisco Ballet performed an impressive new move: pivoting its annual gala to a virtual benefit.
The evening, which was hosted by company soloist Madison Keesler, featured excerpts from a new work by artistic director Helgi Tomasson as well as from pieces that will make their world premieres during the company’s 2021 virtual season. Two new principal dancers, Nikisha Fogo and Julian MacKay, made their SF Ballet debuts, and the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra provided the score.
Not all the action took place on screen, however. Guests received wines care of Rodney Strong Vineyards and meals and gifts curated by McCalls Catering & Events to give the evening a true celebratory energy. The gala event, titled “Leap into the New Year,” benefitted Ballet projects including artistic endeavors, financial aid for students, and community-education programs and served to launch the 2021 season, which will run digitally and feature programming including three world premieres, four mixed repertory programs, and three story ballets, including Swan Lake.
"Leap Into the New Year" brought a black-tie evening into the era of social distance.
