#SFBalletCan: Social Media for Social Distancing

A Roundup of Photos and Videos to Help You Stay Connected

Shuttered windows, postponed events, and social distancing orders have created a “new normal” the world over. Yet even in isolation, SF Ballet’s Company members have found ways to stay involved, using social media to engage with their work, audiences, and the community at large. We’ve curated a roundup of this week’s highlights. Click each photo to be directed to the post!

- “Dance, dance, otherwise we are lost” (Bausch) and “just keep spinning.” During challenging times, keeping spirits high is half the battle. Principal dancer Esteban Hernandez and soloist Jahna Frantziskonis share words of wisdom—and a stream of near-perfect pirouettes—with their followers.
- What could be more important than the connection of community in times like these? Principal dancers Frances Chung and Misa Kuranaga were the grateful (and surprised!) recipients of makeshift Marley, donated to them by SF Ballet Trustee Catherine Slavonia and her husband, Mark. Pro-tip: shower pan liner is nearly identical to Marley and works in a pinch for the dancer in need.
- For ballet dancers, daily class is a ritual that not even a global pandemic can suppress. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 1pm, SF Ballet dancers share a peek into their routine with a live-streamed class, piano accompaniment included. Yes, you’re encouraged to dance along in your pajamas!
- Corps de ballet member Megan Amanda Ehrlich shares a personal note. With streamed classes, Company members can “maintain some semblance of [their] normal lives.”
  
  Principal dancer Sasha De Sola adds a touch of brevity to the situation, reminding her followers to #staypositive.
  
  Principal dancer Benjamin Freemantle and soloist Madison Keesler take a moment to reflect after class, which they took with other dancers across the globe.
- SF Ballet Orchestra members have also taken to social media to share their gifts. Here’s Associate Principal Violin Craig Reiss, a member of SF Ballet Orchestra since 1993, in a selection from Prokofiev’s Cinderella.
- Advocacy: it matters. SF Ballet recently launched its Critical Relief Fund, and dancers, musicians, and staff have advocated for federal relief funds and support via Americans for the Arts. It’s not too late to share your voice with your local representative.
  “Dearest internet,” principal dancer Joseph Walsh begins. His post includes a photo by corps de ballet member Alexander Reneff-Olson, captured during one of the Company’s last days in the Opera House before shelter-in-place orders went into effect.
  
  Principal dancer Wei Wang stands backstage with soloist Wona Park. In solidarity with his colleagues, Wang shared the news of the Critical Relief Fund to his followers.
  
  As the shelter-in-place order persists, SF Ballet Company members will continue to share the creative ways they’re adjusting to their new lifestyle. Stay in touch, stay tuned for rapid developments, and share the ways #SFBalletcreates, #SFBalletcares, and #SFBalletcan on your social media accounts!