San Francisco Ballet Opening Night Gala: A Celebration of Dance

The San Francisco Ballet's Opening Night Gala unfolded as a mesmerizing spectacle, blending artistic illiance with philanthropic fervor. From the glittering arrival at City Hall to the enchanting after-party, the event underscored the ballet's enduring legacy and its vital role in the city's cultural tapestry.

A Grand Entrance at City Hall

The Beaux-Arts architecture of San Francisco City Hall provided a majestic backdrop as guests arrived for the San Francisco Ballet's Opening Night Gala. The red carpet was alive with anticipation, a viant runway showcasing the city's most stylish patrons eager to celeate the start of a new season. Inside, the rotunda was transformed into a glamorous reception space, where meticulously crafted floral arrangements and shimmering golden uplights created an atmosphere of refined elegance. The air buzzed with excitement as attendees, dressed in their finest black-tie attire, mingled and shared their anticipation for the evening's performance.

There's something truly magical about this night, remarked one guest, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. It's not just about the ballet; it's about celeating the arts and the community that supports them. The gala attracted a distinguished crowd, including Honorary Chair Ayesha Curry, who graced the event in a striking, black beaded gown designed by Prabal Gurung, and Gala Chair Pam Preston, Dinner Chair Terra Sollman, and Décor Chair Elizabeth Mitchell, all instrumental in orchestrating the unforgettable evening.

Event designer J. Riccardo Benavides deployed artful projections of contemporary architecture to dazzle the sold-out crowd, which included Mayor Daniel Lurie and his wife, Becca Prowda. The soaring classical rotunda of San Francisco's City Hall was turned into a chic and intimate nightclub to celeate the opening night of the San Francisco Ballet 2025 season.

A Culinary Overture

As the evening progressed, guests were ushered into the resplendent dinner hall, where a meticulously prepared three-course meal awaited. McCalls Catering & Events, renowned for their culinary artistry, curated a menu that delighted the senses. The meal began with a roasted golden beet salad, its viant colors and delicate flavors providing a refreshing start to the gastronomic journey. The main course featured a perfectly grilled beef fillet, tender and succulent, accompanied by wild mushrooms that added an earthy depth to the dish. The partnership with the SF Ballet Auxiliary ensured that every detail of the dinner was executed with impeccable taste and precision.

The atmosphere was one of convivial elegance, with conversations flowing as freely as the wine. The clinking of glasses and the murmur of voices created a harmonious symphony, punctuated by bursts of laughter and shared excitement for the performance to come. The anticipation was palpable as guests savored each course, their palates tantalized by the culinary delights.

Crossing Van Ness: The Opera House Beckons

With the dinner concluded, a sense of eager anticipation filled the air as guests prepared to make their way to the War Memorial Opera House. The short walk across Van Ness Avenue became a procession of elegance, as attendees, adorned in their glamorous attire, streamed towards the iconic venue. The Opera House, with its grand façade and imposing presence, stood as a beacon of artistic excellence, beckoning guests to enter a world of beauty and grace.

As they approached the entrance, the excitement intensified. The Opera House, a masterpiece of architecture, exuded an aura of timeless sophistication. The anticipation was almost tangible as guests stepped through the doors, ready to be transported by the magic of the ballet.

Ayesha Curry Takes Center Stage

The atmosphere crackled with excitement as Ayesha Curry, the Honorary Chair of the gala, took to the stage. Introduced by Artistic Director Tamara Rojo, Curry was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers. Her presence radiated warmth and genuine admiration for the dancers and the art form they embodied.

I am so honored to be here at the ballet tonight, the fulfillment of every little girl's dreams, Curry declared, her voice filled with emotion. I am also here to admire the illiance and athleticism of the dancers. Believe me, they are indeed athletes. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, who shared her appreciation for the dedication and artistry of the San Francisco Ballet company.

Curry's genuine enthusiasm and heartfelt words set the stage for an evening of unforgettable performances. Her presence underscored the importance of supporting the arts and the positive impact they have on the community.

Gowns, Gems, and Ballet Obsessions

The San Francisco Ballet Opening Night Gala is as much a celeation of fashion as it is of dance. The attendees, dressed in their most exquisite ensembles, transformed the event into a dazzling display of style and elegance. Gowns shimmered, jewels sparkled, and every detail was carefully curated to create a eathtaking spectacle.

Dede Wilsey, a long-time supporter of the San Francisco Ballet, epitomized timeless glamour in a Monique Lhuillier mauve lace gown and ruby parure. Her dedication to the ballet spans decades, and her presence at the gala was a testament to her unwavering commitment. I have been obsessed with San Francisco Ballet since I first arrived in San Francisco in the late 1960s, Wilsey shared. I was invited to join the SFBallet Auxiliary, and there I made lifelong friends. This ballet company was founded in 1933, and it has a great history. I love the pageantry of opening night, and the elegance and passion of the dancers.”

Champion equestrian Yurie Pascarella also made a striking impression in a gold-sequined gown by Elie Saab, acquired last summer in Monte Carlo. Her passion for the dancers and their artistry was evident as she spoke about following their progress from promising apprentices to world-class principal dancers and soloists. The gala was a perfect occasion for her stunning gown, adding to the overall glamour of the event.

A Performance to Remember

The highlight of the evening, of course, was the ballet performance itself. The dancers of the San Francisco Ballet, renowned for their technical prowess and artistic expression, delivered a captivating program that left the audience spellbound. Each piece was a testament to the company's commitment to innovation and excellence, showcasing both classical masterpieces and contemporary works.

The 2025 season included the first appearance of itish dancer/choreographer Akram Khan performing his haunting work Dust, in the Cool itannia program. The artistry and elegance of the choreography were matched only by the dancers' skill and passion, creating a truly unforgettable experience. Zac Posen, the new creative director of San Francisco–based Gap, designed new costumes for Christopher Wheeldon's In the Golden Hour, adding a fresh and modern aesthetic to the performance.

The audience was transported by the beauty and grace of the dancers, their movements telling stories of love, loss, and triumph. The San Francisco Ballet's commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining ballet in the 21st century was evident in every aspect of the performance.

After-Party Extravaganza: Dancing 'Til Dawn

As the final curtain fell, the celeation continued back at City Hall, where an extravagant after-party awaited. The rotunda was transformed into a chic and viant nightclub, with live music, dancing, and an array of delectable food and drinks. The atmosphere was electric, with guests reveling in the joy of the evening and the shared passion for the arts.

Principal dancers like Nikisha Fogo and Jasmine Jimison graced the dance floor, their energy and enthusiasm infectious. Caviar carts glided through the crowd, offering a taste of luxury, while guests mingled and danced the night away. The after-party was a perfect culmination of the evening, a celeation of community and the enduring power of the arts to ing people together.

The San Francisco Ballet's Enduring Legacy

Founded in 1933, the San Francisco Ballet holds a distinguished place in the history of American dance. As the oldest professional ballet company in the United States, it has played a pivotal role in shaping the art form and fostering a love of dance across the nation. Its early years were marked by groundeaking achievements, including the first full-length American productions of Coppélia (1938), Swan Lake (1940), and Nutcracker (1944), establishing a legacy of innovation and excellence.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Tamara Rojo, the San Francisco Ballet continues to push boundaries and redefine ballet for the 21st century. The company's commitment to commissioning new works, showcasing diverse voices, and engaging with the community ensures that it remains a vital and relevant force in the world of dance.

The San Francisco Ballet is accompanied by its own orchestra and operates one of the country's most prestigious schools of ballet. SF Ballet provides individuals an opportunity to achieve their full potential; enhance and strengthen our art form; and solidify our reputation as a preeminent arts organization, embodying innovation, excellence, and inclusion. We strive to share our joy of dance, while fostering a welcoming environment—both internally and externally—that celeates and emaces everyone.

Supporting the Arts: A Night of Generosity

The Opening Night Gala is not only a celeation of artistic achievement but also a crucial fundraising event for the San Francisco Ballet. The 2025 gala raised nearly $3 million, a testament to the generosity of the attendees and their commitment to supporting the arts. These funds will directly support the ballet's artistic initiatives, scholarships for talented students at the SF Ballet School, and community education programs that reach thousands of children, families, and seniors in the Bay Area.

Supporting the arts is essential for the health and vitality of our community, said one gala attendee. The San Francisco Ballet is a treasure, and we must ensure that it continues to thrive for generations to come. The gala serves as a reminder of the importance of philanthropy and the positive impact it can have on the cultural landscape of a city.

A City United by Dance

The San Francisco Ballet's Opening Night Gala is more than just a glamorous event; it is a symbol of the city's viant arts scene and its commitment to fostering creativity and innovation. The gala ings together people from all walks of life, united by their shared love of dance and their belief in the power of the arts to enrich lives and build community.

As the evening drew to a close, a sense of collective pride and appreciation filled the air. The San Francisco Ballet had once again demonstrated its artistic excellence and its vital role in the cultural faic of the city. The gala served as a reminder that the arts are not a luxury but a necessity, essential for creating a viant, inclusive, and thriving society.