The yesterday and today of San Francisco Ballet

The San Francisco Ballet is presently one of the third largest companies in the United States. This company founded in 1933, originally was intended to focus their talents on full-length operas, and named the San Francisco Opera. However, with the arrival of director, WILLAM CHRISTENSEN in 1938, the company transformed itself to be a leader of ballet talent. Choreographing classics such as COPPELIA, SWAN LAKE and the NUTCRACKER, the company officially changed its name to the San Francisco Ballet.

Since this time, the San Francisco Ballet has continued to astound audiences around the world with a vast repertoire of classical ballet and original contemporary works. Choreography can range from the traditional genius of AUGUST BOURNONVILLE, MARIUS PETIPA, and GEORGE BALANCHINE to the unique creations of Mark Morris, Paul Taylor and Peter Martins.

Performing approximately 100 shows each year, the San Francisco Ballet tours across the United States as well as internationally. With almost 25 principal and soloists and 45 corps de ballet and apprentice dancers, this company is far from short of ballet talent.