San Francisco Ballet Announces Gala – Leap Into the New Year

On January 14, 2021, San Francisco Ballet will host its first ever Virtual Benefit – Leap Into the New Year which includes a gala to kick off the company’s 88th season – a digital one this year. The evening will be held online via Socio and hosted by San Francisco Ballet Soloist Madison Keeler.

Proceeds from Leap Into the New Year will benefit a wide range of SF Ballet artistic initiatives, including new works, accessible digital content, scholarships and financial aid programs for San Francisco Ballet School students, and community education programs for youth, families, and seniors.

The event begins at 6 pm with access to private virtual tables; a wine education session with the event’s wine sponsor, Rodney Strong Vineyards; and behind-the-scenes content from rehearsals, followed by a 7 pm performance.

Ticket holders at the Artistic Director, Principal, Producer, and Soloist levels will enjoy VIP programming, including the pas de deux from William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, rehearsed by Forsythe on Soloist Sasha Mukhamedov and Principal Dancer Aaron Robison, and the White Swan Pas De Deux from Helgi Tomasson’s Swan Lake performed by Nikisha Fogo and Julian MacKay, San Francisco Ballet’s two new principal dancers. 

Under the direction of Music Director Martin West, San Francisco Ballet Orchestra recorded music for the event using approved safety protocols at Skywalker Studios, 25th Street Recording, and the SF Conservatory of Music, which was produced, engineered, and mastered by Leslie Ann Jones.