Smuin Ballet Raises the Barre

Smuin Contemporary Ballet ushered in a thrilling new chapter—its 31st season and the first under visionary Artistic Director Amy Seiwert—with a dazzling gala on Saturday, March 22. Hosted at the San Francisco Design Center by co-chairs Lee D. Baxter and John & Athena Konstin, the evening shimmered with style and star power. The company’s chic dancers mingled with luminaries including Willie Brown, Senator Scott Wiener, and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman during a festive cocktail hour, followed by a gourmet dinner where Seiwert addressed the crowd: “I believe strongly in the power of the performing arts to hold up a mirror to humanity. We dive deep into our imagination to give you an experience that we hope will make you feel more deeply than words can express.”

The evening continued with breathtaking performances that honored Smuin’s rich legacy while heralding its bold future. A spirited live auction inspired enthusiastic bidding for exclusive items such as homemade desserts by Smuin dancers, a Broadway adventure in NYC, and coveted walk-on roles in the company’s beloved “The Christmas Ballet.” The gala raised $450,000, funds that will empower Smuin to continue pushing the boundaries of contemporary ballet through works of daring artistry and emotional resonance.