Artist Spotlight
 | | | Katita Waldo in Tomasson's The Fifth Season |
1/18/2007
A dancer at San Francisco Ballet since 1987, Principal Dancer Katita Waldo discusses her career and recent collaboration with choreographer Christopher Wheeldon.
You’ve been with SF Ballet since 1987. When you look back over the past twenty years, what has your career here meant to you?
Everything. I’ve gotten to do everything I ever hoped to and continue to do so. I’ve also watched the Company grow and have been honored to be a part of that evolution. SF Ballet is home; it’s where I want to be and I’m happy here, doing what I want to do.
Of which dance accomplishments are you most proud?
To become a principal dancer with this Company is pretty big. The reason I fell in love with ballet was Swan Lake and I have had the great privilege of dancing the lead role, Odette/Odile. Also, the range and diversity of my repertory; I’ve been given the chance to perform so many different styles and work with so many incredible choreographers—it’s just great.
Of which personal accomplishment are you most proud?
My marriage and my son, James who’s age 7. My husband and I have been together 23 years and I adore them both.
What have been some of your favorite roles/works over the years?
There are so many but certainly Odette/Odile from Swan Lake; Forsythe’s in the middle, somewhat elevated; Desdemona and Emilia in Lubovitch’s Othello; being a principal in Balanchine’s Theme and Variations; and Wheeldon’s Rush. For the upcoming season, I’m especially excited about performing the first pas de deux in Forsythe’s Artifact Suite, the pas de deux from Bintley’s The Dance House and Tomasson’s The Fifth Season, to name a few.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Read, eat and be with my family.
You are also working on a new Christopher Wheeldon work. Can you tell us more?
Christopher asked me if I was interested in being choreographer’s assistant to him at the Bolshoi Ballet, where he is creating a new work. I was very excited but wanted to make sure I could also dance here and wouldn’t miss any of my performances. So I worked out an arrangement with [San Francisco Ballet Artistic Director] Helgi [Tomasson]and Christopher and I will make three trips to Russia in total. I already went there in December, will go again in January and then for a week in February for the premiere, which is on the 15th.
What advice would you give to young dancers just beginning their careers?
I would say, be very careful to not make physical shortcuts in class and be as organically aware of your body as you can be, so you don’t cheat. Also, be patient with yourself and don’t ever assume that you are entitled to anything. You have to work to earn every role, it’s never a given. Don’t ever get complacent, you can lose your passion and drive that way.