Visiting Scholar, Debra H. Sowell, PhD, offers a lively description of America’s first full-length Swan Lake, produced by the San Francisco Ballet in 1940, and choreographed by Artistic Director, Willam Christensen. She begins by describing the role of a dance historian, and references the interviews she conducted in preparing her book, The Christensen Brothers, An American Dance Epic, the definitive biography of the three brothers, Willam, Harold, and Lew.

Frances Chung, who performs the iconic role of Odette/Odile in Swan Lake for the first time this season, discusses the principal parts that have led her to this point in her career. She describes her preparation for this role, including studying portrayals of past ballerinas, the coaching she has received, and even the time she spent in the corps absorbing the essence of the story.

Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson and Principal Dancer Mathilde Froustey talk Romeo & Juliet. Helgi Tomasson and Mathilde Froustey discuss the creation of Romeo & Juliet, the character of Juliet herself, taking the ballet on tour to Copenhagen, and their favorite moments in the work. Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices! Header Image: Mathilde Froustey and...

Fight Director Martino (Marty) Pistone describes the creation of the sword fights and other stage combat in Helgi Tomasson’s Romeo and Juliet. He discusses the styles of fencing and the weapons used, as well as the process of teaching dancers the fight choreography. He also discusses working with the dancers for the crowd scenes during the fights, and his performing role as the Prince of Verona.

Choreographer Cathy Marston and Principal Dancer Sarah Van Patten discuss the creative process. Cathy Marston and Sarah Van Patten interview each other about the creative process and Marston’s two ballets for SF Ballet, Snowblind and Mrs. Robinson.  Like what you heard? Subscribe to our Meet the Artist podcast on Apple Podcasts to access archived episodes and have new ones delivered straight to your devices! Header Image: Wona Park and Wei Wang in Gsovsky’s Grand Pas Classique // © Erik...

Principal Dancer Jennifer Stahl reflects on the challenges and satisfactions of being in a work as it is created, reminiscing on the excitement of the Unbound: Festival of New Works.