Program B (last week) was ok, but the most memorable piece of that night was the Mark Morris piece. It had been previewed on the local KQED program “Spark,” so it was easier to appreciate. Spark can be seen at the KQED website KQED.org. I also enjoyed the first and third pieces of program B.

This week I saw Program C. The Margaret Jenkins piece was ok, but I started to snooze at the end. The Val Caniparoli piece was interesting, but I wish that I knew more about Ibsen. The final piece of the evening - the Jorma Elo - was STUNNING. The costumes were a wonderful color, the music dynamic, and the pace breathtaking. Initially I thought that the piece would be nice with some “cute” variations on classic ballet positions, then the tympany music started. I did not want to blink in case I missed anything. The end was abrupt, which was quite appropriate for the piece. The Wednesday night audience was on their feet immediately. I could certainly see this work again next season.

I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to learn and perform 10 new pieces for one season, in addition to the rest of the repertory that was performed. It certainly was an ambitious undertaking. I am waiting to see what pieces may return in the future.

I am also very glad that the SF Ballet was mentioned on this website. I am not a dancer, but merely a fan who does some ballroom dancing. I hope that some of the SF Ballet professionals, or retired professionals, will join “the winger” so that the activities of this wonderful company can be shared here.