It was January 2008. I was in level 7, my first year as a student at the San Francisco Ballet School. This would be a very special year, because the company was celebrating its 75^th Anniversary, and for the Gala Celebration the School performed the opening piece, excerpts from John Neumeier’s Yondering. Anxious and excited, I stepped out onto the opera house stage. It was my first time being in a theater so grand. As we took our bow and the curtain closed, a feeling came over me that I hoped would never leave. A rush. I guess you could say, the thrill of performing. As I think back on this moment it is hard to believe that three years have gone by so quickly and that so much has changed in my life. Watching the company that night my thoughts of one day being a part of this company were but a dream, and today here I stand, and that dream is a reality.

January is a special month to me, as it is to most. It’s when we can take a step back and look at the gifts the past year has brought us. What has made us grow in the past year?  Whether it is inches or wisdom! Coming from the school into the company was a change for me. A step toward becoming an adult; a step forward on my path as a dancer! I feel I have already learned so much and, although I know I will  learn more each day, I am so blessed to be learning it all here at San Francisco Ballet.

This year is my first gala as a member of the company. I am excited to kick- off the season, and for the dancers and the audience, what an extraordinary season we have ahead of us! I hope I see you there!