Alumni Spotlight: Emmitt Friedman
- Meet the Artist
Meet Emmitt Friedman
By Olivia Ramsay
The journey to becoming a professional dancer rarely begins where you might expect. For San Francisco Ballet Corps Member and SF Ballet School alum Emmitt Friedman, it started at home—learning steps from his older sister after her ballet classes.
This prompted him to enroll himself and eventually led him to San Francisco Ballet School’s summer program in 2021. “The School’s reputation brought me to the summer program,” he says. “I improved so much that summer, so I wanted to join year-round.”
That summer experience was a turning point, offering a glimpse into the structure, discipline, and real possibility of a future in ballet. When he was invited to join the year-round program that Fall, Emmitt found himself immersed in an environment designed to prepare students not only as well-rounded dancers, but for professional life as well.
“The atmosphere in classes promoted discipline and focus, and training with other talented students was motivating,” he explained. “The teachers created a culture where working with intention every day was expected. I really matured as a dancer and as a human.”
For male students, San Francisco Ballet School offers targeted training alongside mixed classes—an experience Emmitt credits as essential. “With men’s classes, we were able to learn steps, technique, and style that are specific to male dancers,” he says, noting how this specialized focus helped prepare him for the demands of company life.
Living in the Bowes Center for Dance, SF Ballet’s residence for students, further supported that growth. “It was convenient to live very close to the studios,” Emmitt shares—allowing him to fully dedicate himself to training, recovery, and daily routines.
When asked why students should consider San Francisco Ballet School, Emmitt points to both the rigor of the training and its connection to the professional world. “The training is rigorous, and the teachers give individualized corrections to every student,” he says. “Also, being connected to a major company allows for valuable experience and opportunities.
That connection proved critical when Emmitt transitioned from student to professional dancer. “It was very challenging,” he recalls, “but I felt well prepared from my time in the School.”
Now dancing with San Francisco Ballet, Emmitt offers practical advice to the next generation of students following a similar path: “Listen to your body and take care of it. Give yourself enough time to recover from injuries. Roll out and stretch as much as possible.”
Emmitt Friedman’s story reflects the heart of San Francisco Ballet School’s mission—providing young dancers with the training, mentorship, and support needed to grow into artists ready for the stage. For students curious about where ballet training can lead, his journey offers a clear and inspiring answer.
