Ballet is an impressive and beautiful performance to watch live, and luckily, you can see world-class ballet performances right in SF. The city is home to ballet companies that frequently have stunning shows. From classic tales to creative and innovative performances, SF’s ballets are perfect for a night out on the town. Here are a few SF Ballets that promise to impress.
Smuin Ballet
Smuin Ballet was founded by Michael Smuin 30 years ago. The contemporary dance company has an American performance style that combines classical techniques. The company debuted to international acclaim, and the current Artistic Director, Celia Fushille, continued to create innovative performances. Upcoming shows include The Christmas Ballet and LGBTQ+ Night with Lady Camden.
Upcoming performances:
- Nov 18- Dec 24: The Christmas Ballet
- Dec 19: LGBTQ+ Night with Lady Camden.
- Feb 29 – Mar 3: Celebrating Michael Smuin
San Francisco Ballet
The SF Ballet is iconic for many reasons. It is the oldest professional ballet company in the United States, founded in 1933. The SF Ballet also launched the first full-length performance of the Nutcracker in the United States in 1944. This historic company continues to put on dazzling shows today. Performances are accompanied by a live orchestra and detailed costume and stage design to create the stunning performances.
Upcoming performances:
- Dec 13-30: Nutcracker
- Jan 26–Feb 1: Mere Mortals
- Feb 9- 15: British Icons
Alonzo King LINES Ballet
Established in 1982 by Alonzo King, LINES continues using classic techniques while creating innovative performances. The dance company performs for over 50,000 people internationally every year. The company tours all over the world but calls San Francisco its home. In 2024, they will perform in collaboration with the SF Symphony.
City Ballet San Francisco
While City Ballet is a dance school rather than a company, they still do regular performances that show the talent of their dedicated pupils. The dance school aims to prepare students for professional ballet, and you can catch their performance of Nutcracker this holiday season.
In addition, if you’re looking for a new and exciting ballet production, look no further than We Call It Ballet, a unique dance and light show making its way to San Francisco. While it’s not a ballet company, it promises to light up the city with an innovative take on The Sleeping Beauty. As ballerinas pirouette and plié, their graceful movements are enhanced by the changing LED lights sewn into their costumes.