Father of American Ballet
Apr 10 – Apr 16
The Eternal Conflict Between Duty and Desire
August Bournonville
Herman Severin Løvenskiold
Helgi Tomasson
Jasmine Jimison as the Sylph and Cavan Conley as James in Bournonville’s La Sylphide // © Studio Schuller for San Francisco Ballet
Act I – 33 minutes
Intermission – 20 minutes
Act II – 36 minutes
War Memorial Opera House
Programming, casting, and prices subject to change.
Step into a world of enchantment, mystery, and ethereal beauty with La Sylphide. This beloved Scottish tale of love and illusion continues to captivate audiences with themes of forbidden love, nature versus civilization, and human longing for meaning that feel as relevant today as they did nearly 200 years ago. When James, a young Scottish farmer, becomes enchanted by a mystical sylph, he risks everything to follow her into a magical realm, only to discover the devastating cost of chasing the unattainable.
With its signature Romantic-era charm, misty woodland settings, and a tutu-clad corps de ballet, La Sylphide is a hauntingly beautiful masterpiece that combines elegance, drama, and heartbreak in equal measure.
Experience the magic of a classic that has captivated generations and discover why it endures as one of the most mesmerizing stories ever told on stage.
Act I – 33 minutes
Intermission – 20 minutes
Act II – 36 minutes
War Memorial Opera House
Programming, casting, and prices subject to change.
Tamara Rojo on Balanchine
Eugene Onegin is a richly layered and deeply human exploration of love, regret, and the heart’s fragility. Resident Choreographer Yuri Possokhov’s world premiere brings new depth to Alexander Pushkin’s classic, where a single choice alters the course of a life.
MEET THE ARTIST INTERVIEWS
San Francisco Ballet’s Meet the Artist pre-performance talks are back in the Opera House for the 2026 Repertory Season! Join us before Friday evening, Sunday matinee, and other select performances, for an informative talk featuring dancers, choreographers, musicians, and other artists in conversation with a moderator.
Special Offers
season packages
Pick Eugene Onegin and one other program and save up to 20% off the single ticket price* with a CYO Duet package.
*Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
season packages
Pick Eugene Onegin and one other program and save up to 20% off the single ticket price* with a CYO Duet package.
*Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
single tickets
Plan a night to remember with single performance tickets. Limited-time offers available* – including student, senior, and group discounts. Treat yourself to an evening of artistry and elegance.
30% off the following dates:
Saturday January 24 – 8PM
Saturday January 24 – 2PM (MAT)
Sunday January 25 – 8PM
*Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Credits
CHOREOGRAPHER
August Bournonville
COMPOSER
Herman Løvenskiold
Production Directed by: Helgi Tomasson
Staged by: Ulrik Birkkjaer
Additional Principal Coaching: Tamara Rojo and Loipa Araújo
Scenic and Costume Design: Jose Varona
Lighting Design: Sara Linnie Slocum
World Premiere: November 28, 1836—Royal Danish Ballet; Copenhagen, Denmark
SF Ballet Premiere: October 25, 1987—Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall; Honolulu, Hawai’i
Music: La Sylphide. Costumes constructed by Dallas Ballet Costume Department, Dallas, Texas. Additional costumes constructed by San Francisco Ballet Costume Shop.
SUPPORT FOR LA SYLPHIDE PROUDLY PROVIDED BY
Hellman Foundation
Mrs. Katie M. Colendich and Mr. Albert d’Hoste
John G. Capo and Orlando Diaz-Azcuy
John Garfinkle
Brian and Rene Hollins
Jennifer and Tony Smorgon
Denise Littlefield Sobel