Saturday Matinee

Maria Kochetkova and Joan Boada in Raymonda. © Erik Tomasson

The San Francisco Ballet’s opening night gala was last night. I’ll write more later but a quick review of highlights – There were way too many individual standout performances, but Maria Kochetkova and Joan Boada’s Raymonda pas de deux stood out in its equally strong partnering and individual performances, a glittering masterpiece of classical ballet perfection. Frances Chung and Daniel Deivison was also a favorite, in an adorable Tarantella by Balanchine, a confection of charm and choreographic delight. Yuan Yuan Tan’s Giselle brought me to tears, Tan’s balances and Taras Domitro’s split jumps made the audience gasp out loud, Tina LeBlanc was a study of control and flight, Pascal Molat’s ebullience was infectious, and Sofiane Sylve’s magic was mesmerizing.

A more complete review to come.

Click here for a ton of photos from the gala and the afterparty.
San Francisco Chronicle’s review