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.

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.

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.

Ricardo Bustamante, Assistant to the Artistic Director and Ballet Master

Ricardo Bustamante presented an overview of the responsibilities of his position, and provided a review of the company's trip to Copenhagen during August, 2010. He joined host Mary Wood in updates of promotions and new company members, then commented on the repertoire for the season ahead. He concluded with a vivid description of the ballet Giselle, and included commentary on 2 video clips, one from SFB's current production, one from his own production done for the Dutch National Ballet.

Planned Giving Manager Allison Groves interviews Principal Dancer Rubén Martín Cintas

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.

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

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.

Director of Education Charles Mc Neal interviews Principal Dancer Maria Kochetkova

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