A Passion That Inspires
Meet Antoinette Chatton, a Lifelong Supporter of San Francisco Ballet
Those who are lucky enough to know Antoinette Chatton know her genuine love for San Francisco Ballet. Since she began attending performances in 1994, her devotion to the organization has only grown. Her steadfast dedication and heartfelt enthusiasm underscore the vital role our audiences and donors play in shaping the vibrancy and legacy of this institution.
For Antoinette, discovering San Francisco Ballet was a way of finding a new community. Originally from South Africa, she moved first to Toronto and later to the Bay Area with her family, following her husband’s career. A loyal patron of the National Ballet of Canada, Antoinette sought out a new “hometown company” shortly after arriving in California. Her first experience with San Francisco Ballet was a performance of Nutcracker—an introduction she shares with many lifelong lovers of the art form. She soon became a regular attendee and ultimately a full-season subscriber. Now approaching her 32nd season, she recalls countless cherished memories and friendships forged with fellow ballet enthusiasts, Company artists, and staff members alike.

In addition to holding several subscriptions each season, Antoinette has long supported San Francisco Ballet as a donor. She attends the annual Opening Night Gala, as well as San Francisco Ballet School Spring Festival, an event Antoinette is proud to have supported “from the very beginning.” She fondly remembers observing classes at the School, including those led by Pascal Molat, Associate Director of the Trainee Program. Having admired Molat as a Principal Dancer with the Company, she is continually inspired by the respect and admiration he receives from students. Despite the intense discipline ballet demands,” she notes, “there is so much joy, laughter, and fun in his classes.”

Of all the benefits of being a donor, rehearsal studio visits remain among her favorites. Antoinette cherishes the opportunity to witness not just the extraordinary work ethic of the dancers, but also their camaraderie and humanity. “I love getting to know them as people. It makes it even more impressive when you see them on stage doing such amazing things.” With over seventy percent of Company members having received training at San Francisco Ballet School, Antoinette has followed many dancers’ journeys up the ranks—among them Principal Dancer Jasmine Jimison and First Soloist Joshua Jack Price. Over the years, the dancers have come to know Antoinette as well. During a recent behind-the-scenes rehearsal, several dancers came over to greet her with warm hugs during their break.

When asked to name favorite artists, Antoinette admits that there are too many to choose from—but she expressed a special admiration for Yuri Possokhov. She fondly remembers his time as a Principal Dancer with the Company. “Yuri is my star! He is so expressive in every way, especially with his hands. It doesn’t matter what he’s dancing—he tells a story just with his hands.” Possokhov has served as San Francisco Ballet’s Choreographer in Residence for the past nineteen years. Our upcoming 2025-2026 Season opens with Possokhov’s world premiere of Eugene Onegin, his first full-length ballet for the Company. “I have no idea what to expect,” Antoinette says, “but knowing Yuri, I know it will be wonderful.”
While Antoinette’s first and greatest love is classical ballet, her appreciation spans a range of styles. “The lines, the beauty, the grace, and the sheer athleticism of it all—it’s so impressive to watch. Each dancer brings a different interpretation to their role, no matter what part they play.” She recalls Mere Mortals as a standout from 2023 and is delighted that it will return next year. “It’s nice when a season ends with a bang.”

Antoinette is energized by the future of San Francisco Ballet. She is especially encouraged by the Company’s appeal to younger audiences and sees the Young Patrons Circle as an exciting way for the next generation to engage. “I wish something like that had been around when I first arrived!”
She cannot imagine a future without dance, which is why she has supported the organization so passionately for more than three decades. “We must do everything we can to keep this art form alive.” If you are inspired by Antoinette and would like to join with her in supporting San Francisco Ballet, please click here to make a meaningful impact and help sustain this beloved art form.