Support The Next Generation of Dancers

An Interview with Maya Chandrashekaran

Your support provides transformational opportunities for young, driven dancers like Maya. A personally meaningful gift to our Annual Fund will help develop the next generation of dancers, in service of San Francisco Ballet’s mission to share the joy of dance with the widest possible audience, both locally and around the world, and to provide the highest caliber of dance training in our School. 

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San Francisco Ballet: When did you start at San Francisco Ballet School?

MAYA CHANDRASHEKARAN: I started at SF Ballet in the fall of 2022 in Level 8 after attending the 2022 Summer Session and then getting accepted for the full-year program. I knew that I wanted to come here because SF Ballet is a world-class school and company, and I wanted the chance to learn from the incredible faculty and be surrounded by inspiring dancers. I spent one year in Level 8 and I am a Trainee this year, which has been an incredible experience so far! I am so grateful to be here! 

SFB: What have you enjoyed most in your experience as a Trainee during the 23/24 Repertory Season?

MC: As a Trainee, I’ve really enjoyed working with choreographers like Dana Genshaft and Victor Plotnikov on their new works, as well as getting to perform for audiences as part of a Trainee group. I have never had a new work choreographed on me, so I found that process really interesting and satisfying. A big highlight of the year was our Trainee tour to Sun Valley, Idaho, where we performed two shows of our Trainee repertoire and had the chance to experience our first tour! I have also really enjoyed working with the company on full-length productions, like Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The chance to perform on the Paris Opera Ballet stage and meet other students from ballet schools around the world has also been a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

SFB: What are you most looking forward to as an apprentice in 2025 and in your career as a dancer?

MC: Becoming an apprentice for the 24/25 Season truly is a dream come true, and I am so grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way! I’m really looking forward to beginning my professional career, learning new classical and neoclassical ballets and expanding my repertoire. I am excited to continue learning and developing as an artist, and I can't wait to see what the year will bring.

SFB: Is there anything else you want to tell us about yourself?

MC: When I’m not dancing, I love to read and catch up on the latest developments in health and medicine. I also love to swim and enjoy spending time in nature.

I would also like to express my gratitude to my teachers, family, friends, and everyone who has supported me along my journey so far. Their support has enabled me to pursue my dream, and I could not have done it without the training and guidance that I received here at SF Ballet!

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