Ballet22 “Tōtum” at SF’s Great Star Theater (June 18-20)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Ballet22 to perform classical and contemporary ballets en pointe, live at the Great Star Theater in San Francisco!

About Ballet22
Founded in 2020 by Roberto Vega Ortiz and Theresa Knudson, Ballet22 exists to push the boundaries of what is possible in ballet while focusing on producing and presenting works, ranging from classical to contemporary ballet, that break gender normative traditions, specifically by presenting men, mxn, and non-binary artists “en pointe.” Ballet22 is a member of Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

About the Program
The program will include excerpts from beloved classic ballets, Le Corsaire, Giselle, Carmen, and Paquita. You will also experience contemporary ballets by Nicholas Rose and Myles Thatcher.
The Three Odalisques is an excerpt from a pirate ballet, Le Corsaire. Be dazzled by the athleticism and wittiness of the Three Odalisques. This trio showcases the defiance of oppression and the will to overcome. The Romantic-era ballet Giselle tells the tale of betrayal and forgiveness. The tragic story follows the journey of Giselle, a young peasant who is wronged by their lover and dies of a broken heart. The Grand Pas de Deux from Giselle Act II will transport you to the graveyard where Giselle’s spirit reunites with Albrecht for one final dance. Celebrate love with the Grand Pas de Deux from Paquita. This joyous excerpt tells the story of Paquita, a Spanish gypsy who saves the life of French officer, Lucien. When it is discovered that Paquita is of noble birth, they marry in a big celebration. In this opening solo from Carmen you will experience flashes of freedom and passion, an exhibition of the strength of the independent spirit. Ballet22 is proud to bring Ballet du Funk to the Bay Area. Choreographed by Nicholas Rose, “…this ballet is a celebratory ballet, plain and simple. This is a celebration for me and my ancestors Blackness, queerness, and all that I am…HUMAN! I want the audience to get swept away in the artists’ energy and the vibe they bring to the stage. I encourage everyone to really listen to the lyrics and jump into the fun of it all!” The program will close with a world premiere choreographed by Myles Thatcher, celebrated San Francisco Ballet soloist, and choreographer.

About the Cast
Ballet22’s cast includes dancers from Boston Ballet, Ballet Arizona, City Ballet of San Diego, Alabama Ballet. Each chosen for their brilliant pointe work and performance abilities, these mxn are challenging gender stereotypes and rebuilding what it is to be a ballet dancer en pointe.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.