Since the beginning, when I first started dancing at 6 years old, I loved it. I never really thought of the hard work and long hours as a sacrifice because ballet always brought me joy and happiness. In 2013, a bunion injury left me unable to dance for a year and three months. There was […]

From the minute my journey as a dancer began at age 4, there were no other options of what I might do with my life. Sure, I tried other “after-school activities.” I tried desperately to master The Phantom of the Opera with my squeaky violin rental—a headache for my parents who paid for private Suzuki […]

To stay in shape, San Francisco Ballet’s Sofiane Sylve takes class with the trainees, taught by SFB School associate director Patrick Armand. Why? Because it’s 30 minutes longer than company class. “You have to floss deep,” quips the 41-year-old principal. She also gets massage, physical therapy and plenty of sleep, eschews alcohol and follows a […]

Waking up in the morning after a late performance and walking to class isn’t always easy. But once I’m in the studio and the pianist begins, a familiar rhythm ensues. I love the physicality of this routine. It is like solving a puzzle every day, translating the imagery in my mind into my body. Ballet […]

Living the #dancerlife is no easy feat. Between daily technique classes, late night rehearsals and numerous side gigs to get the bills paid, dancers often don’t prioritize self care. It may seem like the least important item on your never-ending to-do list, but it’s vital to make time for your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. […]