San Francisco Ballet

San Francisco Ballet is a renowned institution that has been a part of the city's cultural fabric for many years, known for its vibrant and innovative performances. Among its varied repertoire, two notable programs stand out: Director's Choice and The Fifth Season, both of which showcase the company's versatility and artistic excellence.\n\n#### Director's Choice\nDirector's Choice is a unique program that forms part of the San Francisco Ballet's offerings, providing audiences with a \"tasting flight\" of contemporary ballet. This program is a collection of gala-style pieces, which are short ballets or excerpts that highlight the talents of individual dancers within the company. The Director's Choice program is known for its variety, as the selection of pieces performed can change depending on the evening, offering a rotating group of ballets. This format not only illuminates the range of the company's artists but also adds an element of surprise for the audience, as they may experience a different set of performances with each visit.\n\nThe 2023 season featured three versions of Director's Choice, each with a distinct set of ballets. For example, Director's Choice A included pieces such as \"Foreshadow,\" \"Pas de Deux from After the Rain,\" and \"Soirees Musicales.\" Director's Choice B and C offered different selections, including works like \"05:49,\" \"For Pixie,\" \"Grand Pas Classique,\" and \"Pas de Deux from Swan Lake,\" among others. The versatility of the program is a testament to the depth and breadth of the San Francisco Ballet's repertoire and the adaptability of its dancers.\n\n#### The Fifth Season\nThe Fifth Season is another significant work in the San Francisco Ballet's collection, choreographed by the company's Artistic Director & Principal Choreographer, Helgi Tomasson. The ballet premiered during the 2006 Repertory Season and was inspired by the music of Welsh composer Karl Jenkins, particularly his String Quartet No. 2 and the piece \"Palladio.\" Tomasson was drawn to Jenkins' contemporary yet romantic compositions, which, despite being classified within the minimalist genre, contain a rich melodic undercurrent.\n\nThe title \"The Fifth Season\" is derived from the first movement of Jenkins' String Quartet No. 2, which intrigued Tomasson and sparked the idea of something extraordinary and beyond the ordinary four seasons. The ballet features six movements with musically diverse themes, ranging from baroque-inspired to a percussive tango and an aggressive waltz. Tomasson's choreography masterfully reflects the contrasting tones of the music, with the dancers' movements echoing the dynamic pulse and lyrical qualities of Jenkins' score.\n\nThe Fifth Season was part of the SF Ballet's 2022 Season and was performed in Program 5. The ballet's distinct sections and the soulful quality of Jenkins' music, as noted by former ballet master and Tomasson's assistant Ashley Wheater, demonstrate the company's ability to create cohesive narratives through diverse choreographic ideas.\n\nThe San Francisco Ballet continues to engage and inspire audiences with its dynamic programming and commitment to excellence in the world of dance. Both Director's Choice and The Fifth Season exemplify the company's dedication to exploring new artistic territories while honoring the classical ballet tradition.