Under the creative baton of Tamara Rojo, the celebrated former prima ballerina and artistic director, the San Francisco Ballet is poised to present a breathtaking 2024-2025 season, destined to etch its mark upon the annals of dance history. This season unfolds as a captivating kaleidoscope, weaving together the intricate threads of classical excellence and bold modernity, taking its audience on an emotional odyssey through war, love, loss, and triumphant rebirth.
A central jewel in this luminous tapestry is the North American premiere of Dust, a poignant work by the award-winning choreographer Akram Khan. More than just a ballet, Dust is a profound narrative of the First World War, plunging the audience into the visceral depths of the trenches. Khan’s breathtaking choreography foregrounds the societal transformation of the era, with a particular focus on the indomitable strength of women—a theme that resonates with undiminished relevance in our contemporary world.
In 2025, Rojo’s artistic vision will further unfold with a stunning reimagining of Raymonda, inspired by the courageous deeds of Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War. This adaptation places a powerful female protagonist at its heart, whose courage and resolve transcend societal expectations, reshaping the traditional confines of the ballet’s narrative.
Equally anticipated is the revival of Liam Scarlett’s Frankenstein, set to return to the stage in March 2025. Through masterful choreography and opulent staging, this adaptation of Mary Shelley’s literary masterpiece delves into the profound themes of life, death, and the quest for identity, captivating the audience with its striking emotional depth.
For connoisseurs of modern dance, the homage to Hans van Manen promises an unparalleled experience. Showcasing works such as 5 Tango’s and Variations for Two Couples, this retrospective celebrates van Manen’s singular ability to harmonize the realms of classical and contemporary dance. Moreover, audience favorites Broken Wings and Marguerite and Armand return to explore the themes of love and loss, rendered with an emotional intensity that lingers long after the final curtain falls.
The 2024-2025 season of the San Francisco Ballet, under the visionary stewardship of Tamara Rojo, is not merely a feast for the senses but a transcendent journey through the profound heights and depths of the human soul. With an exquisite blend of time-honored brilliance and daring innovation, this ensemble once again demonstrates why it stands among the world’s premier ballet companies. This season promises to not only move its audience but to transform them—in a symphony of elite elegance and emotion that remains unmatched.
