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2026 OPENING NIGHT AFTER PARTY

Jan 14, 2026

Performance Dates

SF BALLET’S OPENING NIGHT AFTER PARTY

GALA HONORARY CHAIR
RITA MORENO
SF BALLET PREMIERE
THE BARRE PROJECT
CHOREOGRAPHY, SCENIC,
COSTUME DESIGN

William Forsythe

COMPOSER

James Blake

BLAKE WORKS I
CHOREOGRAPHY, SCENIC,
COSTUME DESIGN

William Forsythe

COMPOSER

James Blake

Visuals Credit

Sasha Mukhamedov // © Studio Schuller for San Francisco Ballet

Run Time

Performance One – 49min
Intermission – 20min
Performance Two – 36min

Location

War Memorial Opera House

Step into an evening of bold inspiration. Curated by Artistic Director Tamara Rojo, this one-night-only program inaugurates San Francisco Ballet’s 2025–2026 Repertory Season with a tribute to the history and traditions of American dance, celebrating icons of our art form. 

THE NIGHT DOES NOT END WHEN THE CURTAIN FALLS

Dance the night away at our post-performance After Party set within the grandeur of San Francisco City Hall’s iconic rotunda. Enhance your Opening Night experience by adding this exclusive event to your ticket directly from your cart. Join fellow SF Ballet enthusiasts for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and celebration. Immerse yourself in the legendary After Party atmosphere—bursts of bold color, dazzling creativity, top Bay Area DJs, live music, and interactive experiences—all complemented by hand-crafted cocktails, exquisite local wines, and late-night culinary delights by McCalls Catering & Events. Raise a glass to the transformative power of dance and a night of elevated community revelry!

Purchasing Gala performance and After Party tickets directly supports SF Ballet’s mission to share the transformative magic of dance with everyone! Gala Proceeds help us create groundbreaking new works, preserve ballet’s timeless masterpieces, and provide scholarships for young artists at the SF Ballet School. Gala funds also benefit our community education programs, which serve Bay Area youth, families, and seniors, spreading the love of ballet. (also sf ballet community outreach, if so, what?)

You won’t want to miss this spectacular evening—a festive celebration at the very heart of SF Ballet and the enduring impact of the performing arts in our community.

 

We are proud to feature the following live entertainment partners during the After Party:

DJ Shellheart 

DJ Chris Clouse 

Live Band: Wonder Bread 5 

Run Time

Performance One – 49min
Intermission – 20min
Performance Two – 36min

Location

War Memorial Opera House

Casting & Credits

FRI JAN 23 - 8PM

Find out which dancers will take the stage in the current productions at San Francisco Ballet. Please note Casting subject to change.

Conductor

Martin West

I – CHROMA

Dores André, Max Cauthorn, Frances Chung, Cavan Conley, Nikisha Fogo, Esteban Hernández,Jasmine Jimison, Victor Prigent, Archie Sullivan, Wei Wang

Concept, Direction, and Choreography:

Sir Wayne McGregor

Music:

Joby Talbot and Jack White III

Arranged by:

Joby Talbot

Orchestrated by:

Christopher Austin by arrangement with Chester Music

Set Design:

John Pawson

Costume Design:

Moritz Junge

Lighting Design:

Lucy Carter

Staged by:

Antoine Vereecken

World Premiere:

November 17, 2006–The Royal Ballet, Royal Opera House; London, England

SF Ballet Premiere:

April 7, 2011—War Memorial Opera House; San Francisco, California

II – WITHIN THE GOLDEN HOUR

Dores André, Max Cauthorn, Frances Chung, Cavan Conley, Nikisha Fogo, Esteban Hernández,Jasmine Jimison, Victor Prigent, Archie Sullivan, Wei Wang

violin:

Cordula Merks

Viola:

Yi Zhou

Sasha De Sola and Harrison James

jennifer stahl and rubén cítores nieto

frances chung and joseph walsh

Thamires Chuvas, Luca Ferrò
SunMin Lee, Dylan Pierzina
Tyla Steinbach, Lleyton Ho
Seojeong Yun, Benjamin Davidoff

Choreographer:

Sir Wayne McGregor

Composers:

Joby Talbot and Jack White III

Costume Design:

Joby Talbot

Lighting Design:

Christopher Austin by arrangement with Chester Music

World Premiere:

John Pawson

SUPPORT FOR San Francisco Ballet PROUDLY PROVIDED BY

Grants for the Arts
National Endowment for the Arts
SF Ballet Premiere

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SF Ballet Premiere

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SF Ballet Premiere

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