Stanford dance historian Janice Ross—author of Like a Bomb Going Off, a new book focusing on Soviet ballet during the Stalinist era—explores the fascinating and dangerous intersections between politics and ballet in Soviet Russia.

Stanford dance historian Janice Ross—author of Like a Bomb Going Off, a new book focusing on Soviet ballet during the Stalinist era—explores the fascinating and dangerous intersections between politics and ballet in Soviet Russia.

Founder of St. Mary's College of California LEAP Program Claire Sheridan interviews Ballet Master Betsy Erickson.

Founder of St. Mary's College of California LEAP Program Claire Sheridan interviews Ballet Master Betsy Erickson.

Carrie Gaiser Casey, PhD playfully examines the history, choreography, and comedy that make this ballet so compelling for audiences past and present.

Carrie Gaiser Casey, PhD playfully examines the history, choreography, and comedy that make this ballet so compelling for audiences past and present.

Lean Ops Project Manager Jennifer Kovacevich interviews Ballet Master and Principal Character Dancer Anita Paciotti.

Lean Ops Project Manager Jennifer Kovacevich interviews Ballet Master and Principal Character Dancer Anita Paciotti.

Christopher Stowell, Assistant to the Artistic Director and Ballet Master, brings the audience up to date on his career since retiring from SFB in 2001 after 16 years as a dancer. He places himself in the company’s heritage as the son of a former SFB dancer, Kent Stowell, then reflects on the excitement of joining the company during Artistic Director and Principal Choreographer Helgi Thomasson’s first season and being part of the company’s growth during that era. He describes how the experience of being the Artistic Director of the Oregon Ballet Theater helped to prepare him for his current duties as Assistant the the Artistic Director, particularly in areas of administration.