Bloggers and critics are supposed to make “best of” lists at the end of each year, right?  I’m not terribly keen on that, but I figured it would be valuable to take a moment and look back on a year of ballet-going. In 2018, I saw 21 performances. One of the things I was most excited about when I moved back to the Bay Area was all the dance there is to see. It has not disappointed. Below, I call out highlights and pleasant surprises from the past 12 months.

Unequivocal Highlights
Listed in chronological order

Rodeo
Choreography by Justin Peck
Read the blog post

Requiem for a Rose
Choreography by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
There’s no post about this ballet, which was performed as part of Smuin Contemporary Ballet’s Dance Series 01.  (Since I work for Smuin, I don’t write about the company.) But this is a great ballet, visually striking and just the right length, as it leaves you wanting more.  I was so glad to be able to watch it multiple times during the season.

Swan Lake
Choreography by Liam Scarlett
Read the blog post

Pleasant Surprises
Listed in chronological order

Olympic Ice Dancing
Read the blog post

Frankenstein
Choreography by Liam Scarlett
Read the blog post

The Winter’s Tale
Choreography by Christopher Wheeldon
Read the blog post

Nijinsky
Choreography by John Neumeier
Read the blog post

Snowblind
Choreography by Cathy Marston
Read the blog post

I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but I am absolutely looking forward to another year of going to the ballet.  I hope you’ll join me!