Smuin Ballet

The Smuin Summer

2010-06-30T14:35:00.000-07:00

During the summer, the dancers get a break from the wonderful world of Smuin Ballet. But what are they doing in their off time?

I recently spoke with the lively and outgoing Darren Anderson whose summer will mainly be spent participating in the LEAP program at St. Mary's (which stands for Liberal Education for Arts Professionals). However, Darren is also set to be a sculpture model! Who is the sculptor, you ask? Well it happens to be the exceptionally talented Richard Macdonald, whose art can be seen here. Mr. Macdonald is an incredibly famous sculptor whose work includes depicting members of Cirque Du Soleil and creating a 15-foot, 15-ton monument to commemorate the hundredth playing of the U.S. Open Golf Tournament at Pebble Beach. Darren is excited to work with Mr. Macdonald and even more so to witness himself become immortalized in a sculpture.

I later heard from the charismatic Susan Roemer. She, as it turns out, is making a sequel to a short film she made last year spoofing the rehearsal, performance, and dorm life experience, for the dancers of Ballet Montana. But that is most definitely not the only thing on Susan's plate. She is also quenching her "classical ballet thirst" performing with Ballet North in Chicago, and is a part of NCI (National Choreographer's Initiative) in Irvine, CA. Susan is very excited to meet and work so closely with artists from around the country. With all the traveling, working, and playing, Sue's summer looks to be a wonderful one.

Smuin Social Media

Do you like Smuin Ballet? Want to make it Facebook official? Click the link, like the page and we will update you with the most important news as it comes up. Also, take a peak at our very own Smuin Ballet webpage, and our Youtube videos. Also, you can follow us on Twitter. And if you'd like to read how other people speak of us, here's our Yelp review.

It Feels The Way Dancing Should Feel...

2010-05-06T16:52:00.000-07:00

The title of this post is a quote from one of the Smuin Ballet dancers affectionately known as "Yarbi". I wanted to put her whole quote in here but well...lets just way we "try" to be a family ballet. If you really want to know find me before or after the show and I'll be glad to share it with you...but don't say I didn't warn you! Erin's quote was in response to my question on her feelings about Petite Mort, one of the pieces the company is performing this spring. The dancers can't wait to put this springs program on stage and we can't wait for you to see it.

The buzz is all around town, in coffee shops, on buses, in the papers and even on the radio as to what an exciting show this is going to be. And our ticket sales are skyrocketing! So if you haven't gotten your tickets yet HURRY it's not too late but seats are almost gone. Call our box office today 415-978-2787 or visit them online at www.ybca.org to reserve your tickets! And just for taking time to read my ramblings I'm offering you a special deal on what few tickets we have left. Use promo code "SFG" for 50% off tickets!! Hurry before I change my mind or Celia kills me!

Along with the great program of Petite Mort by Jiri Kylian, French Twist by Ma Cong and Songs of Mahler by Michael Smuin, we have some other really great activities planned for this Spring including an opening night reception following the May 7th performance, a young professionals party and a pre-show talk by Celia Fushille planned before the May 13th show. If you are interested in more details on these events contact John Uetz (john@smuinballet.org).

Spring Is In The Air...

2010-04-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

...And so is the Smuin Ballet! Our dancers are busy at work now preparing for a really great Spring program that everyone is bound to enjoy. We have a little bit of everything this Spring from the classical and beautiful Songs of Mahler by Michael Smuin, to the stunning work of Jiri Kylian's Petite Mort and the dazzling Premiere of Ma Cong's French Twist. The dancers are doing such a great job and are looking even more graceful and elegant than ever, so buy your tickets now and don't miss an incredible show.

For you socialites out there we will also be having several extra events during the different programs at the different venues such as opening night receptions, opening night dinners, the young professionals Soriee, pre-show talks and even the opportunity to view our dancers in class on stage before a performance. Some of these events are free while others cater to our donors and sponsors. If you are interested in any of these events please contact me at john@smuinballet.org and I will be glad to give you more information about these events and our performances.

Finally but definitely not last...we are full steam ahead with planning a very exciting and stunning 2010-2011 season. We will be featuring World Premiere's by Trey McIntyre and Amy Seiwert and the ever popular To the Beatles, Revisited. Sign up now and become a season subscriber that has some really great benefits and perks, ticket discounts and invitations to special events.

Want a sneak peak of what we've been up to? Here is a small sample to excite your senses.

Suggestions? Comments? Please share them! We are here to entertain you, so your thoughts definitely count.

Let's celebrate dance with an offer you can refuse!

2010-02-23T10:53:00.000-08:00

As I was driving to work this morning I realized what a great job I have. I work with a great group of people in the office and of course the dancers at the Smuin Ballet are all so personable and charming. There is always a great energy here and in the studio. Even when things get a little hectic it's still a fun place to work. After all, what better perk is there than getting to see some really fantastic shows?

This week of course we are in performance Wednesday Feb 24 to Sunday Feb 28. In addition to the shows we have two very special days during the week.

Thursday is our Pre-Show talk and is hosted by our Artistic Director Celia Fushille. This is a great chance to meet Celia in an intimate setting as she discusses the evenings program and what inspired her as she designed the repertoire. The discussion is very informal and there is ample opportunities for questions as she describes the art of contemporary ballet that is the heart and soul of Smuin.

Friday is our Post-Show reception which will follow immediately after the show in the main lobby. We encourage you to join us for some fine local wine, chocolate and a few other noshes while mixing and mingling with the Cast of dancers and of course the Smuin staff. It's a great opportunity to add a very personalized touch to fabulous evening on the town.

Both of the special events above are included with your admission ticket for the show, and to sweeten the deal you can even get HALF PRICE TICKETS! What could be better than live entertainment combined with a chance to meet the cast all for pennies on the dollar! You can purchase your discounted tickets by either calling the Mountain View Box Office at 650-903-6000 or going Online (select the date you want to join us and on the next page enter your coupon code at the top). Mention or enter the code "TECH" to get your discount.

We look forward to seeing you over this weekend!
Remember we are "Ballet but Different"!

Ma Cong Blogger Rehearsal

2010-02-02T14:54:00.000-08:00

Please join exciting new Choreographer Ma Cong and Smuin Ballet dancers while rehearsing French Twist!

Sunday, February 21, 2010
1:30 - 3:00 pm
City Dance Studios

*Q&A with Ma and dancers included
*Photography and video opportunities when permitted (we don't want to distract the dancers)
*RSVP to nikki@smuinballet.org and spread the word!

Read about Ma Cong and French Twist
Look at our last Blogger Rehearsal from the Fall

Quick look at French Twist

2010-01-25T11:52:00.000-08:00

Who: Rising Choreographer Ma Cong and Smuin Ballet
What: French Twist

Why: Originally created at the National Choreographer's Initiative in July, 2008.

When: May 7 - June 5

Where: San Francisco, Walnut Creek, Mountain View and Carmel

Music: French composer Hugues Le Bar

Inspiration: "Tom and Jerry" cartoons

What to expect: A comedic modern ballet using quirky movements, chairs and puppetry.

YouTube sneak-peak

order tickets

Holiday Soiree on 12.18.2009

2009-12-22T10:40:00.000-08:00

Smuin Ballet let loose Friday night after "The Christmas Ballet" at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. The Holiday Soiree invited young professionals to join Smuin dancers in the upper terrace of YBCA, treating themselves to plenty of complimentary desserts from Meze's restaurant, Landmark Wine and Sierra Nevada Beer. Thank you to all our sponsors and those who came, from Smuin Ballet.

View more photos from the event here and tag yourself on Facebook!

It's a Wrap! ...almost

2009-12-21T14:03:00.001-08:00

"The Christmas Ballet" has been running since November around the Bay Area, and there is only one week left to see the show! If you haven't had a chance to experience "The Christmas Ballet" yet, call 415.978.2787 to order tickets today.

Everyone here at Smuin has a favorite part of the show, but we want to hear what your favorite part of the show is - so leave a comment and let us know!

What's Smuin up to this Holiday Season?

2009-11-18T11:05:00.000-08:00

We are jumping right into the holidays this year, the day after Thanksgiving! "The Christmas Ballet" opens in Walnut Creek at The Lesher Center on 11/27. Get some Black Friday shopping done in the Broadway Plaza, then walk over to the Lesher Center to experience "The Christmas Ballet." Snow, feather boa, tap dancing Christmas trees, and more! Come see what it's all about....

Smuin has teamed up with US Marine Corps organization Toys for Tots again this year. Bring any new, unwrapped toy to any of the following shows, to receive a 2-for-1 ticket offer!

Friday, 11/27, 8pm: The Lesher Center, Walnut Creek

Saturday, 12/5, 8pm: Sunset Center, Carmel
Friday, 12/11, 8pm: Mountain View Performing Arts Center
Wednesday, 12/16, 8pm: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, SF

Santa's Sweets receptions are taking place this year after some of our matinee performances. Kids can enjoy sweets and take photos with Santa and Smuin dancers. Don't forget your camera!
Saturday, 12/5 2pm, Sunset Center, Carmel
Saturday, 12/12 2pm, Mountain View Center for the Arts
Sunday, 12/20 2pm, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, SF

Embarcadero Tree Lighting Holiday Kick off!

Justin Herman Plaza, Friday, 11/20/09

Smuin Ballet will perform at the Embarcader lighting ceremony. There will be other performances, and a winter carnival full of games, crafts, and activities for the whole family.

Performing at the Gala

2009-11-18T10:53:00.000-08:00

Smuin Dancers performed at the KCBS and Palace Hotel 100 Year Anniversary Gala on Friday, November 13.

A variety of pieces were performed, all showcasing original choreography from Michael Smuin

How to lift your tiny dancer safely

2009-11-11T11:49:00.000-08:00

Smuin dancers Shannon Hurlburt and Jessica Touchet demonstrate safe lifting in the studio, and at home lifting for Moms and their tiny dancers, too:

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/video?id=7038866&section=view_from_the_bay

Soiree was a success!

2009-10-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

Young Professionals of the Bay Area gathered on Saturday night to enjoy the company of their friends and Smuin dancers, while helping themselves to food and drinks. All compliments of Smuin Ballet! San Francisco Art Exchange donated original Terry O'Neill photos of Frank Sinatra.

Essential Spirits Alambric Distillery's signature cocktails were a big hit. Drinks featured their award winning Pure Pear brandy, Classick Bierschnaps, and Classick Gold rum, yum!

Meze's "A Taste of Greece" restaurant provided appetizers nobody could resist.

Aaron Nichols provided live entertainment, singing his own versions of Sinatra hits.

The Soiree took place in a section of The Palace of Fine Arts Theatre lobby. Guests then entered the theatre to enjoy Smuin's Fall/Winter program, featuring "Fly Me To the Moon."

Smuin dancer Brooke Reynolds helped announce the lucky prize winners of the evening.

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Thank you to all who came and helped put on the succesful evening. To see more photos from this night, view the Facebook album.

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Sad you missed out? Look for future Soiree events soon here, or on Smuin's Facebook fanpage.

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All photos compliments of Laura Brown.

Bloggers & photographers unite!

2009-09-30T11:18:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon was a special day for Smuin Ballet. The company performed the entire run of their Fall/Winter program for the first time. Not only was it the first runthrough, it was in front of an audience of 30 people - bloggers, writers, photographers, choreographers, techies, and dance students from University of San Francisco.

The runthrough gave the dancers a feel for how their bodies will handle the two hour show for the next few months, performing in San Francisco, Walnut Creek, Mountain View and Carmel.

Amy Seiwert's World Premiere was featured first....

followed by Smuin's dramatic Medea.....

The program ends with Smuin's "Fly Me To the Moon," which is always a crowd pleaser....

To view other bloggers' reviews of the rehearsal, check them out by clicking below:

http://www.sfciviccenter.blogspot.com/
http://www.saturdaymatineeblog.com/
http://sfappeal.com/culture/2009/09/-dance-flash-smuin-ballet.php .

2009-09-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

Good morning from Smuin Ballet...

Meet Shannon!

2009-09-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

Shannon Hurlburt has been dancing with Smuin Ballet since 1998. Hurlburt had the opportunity to dance for the company under the direction of Michael Smuin, and now helps teach Michael's choreography to the company. Here he is in teaching mode! (photos by Scot Goodman)

2009-09-03T14:53:00.000-07:00

Photographs by Scot Goodman

Fly Me to the Moon rehearsal

2009-08-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

Have you checked out the new video from rehearsal last week? Watch the new video on this page for a sneak peak of Smuin dancers rehearsing for the fall/winter program.

Enjoy!

2009-08-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks for checking out Smuin's new blog!

Smuin dancers are currently moving back to their favorite city by the bay to prepare for the upcoming season. Opening night is only two months away!

Stay tuned for updates on the dancers' summer vacations, rehearsal photos, and more insider information from Smuin.

What do you want to know about Smuin Ballet?