SF Ballet Auxiliary Celebrates Record Year with Luncheon at the Taj

The San Francisco Ballet Auxiliary gathered at the Taj Campton Place on June 4 for their Annual Luncheon, celebrating a remarkably successful year that saw fundraising goals exceeded for the Opening Night Gala and the Spring Festival. One hundred members and friends met up that afternoon to enjoy an elegant three-course lunch, while hearing highlights of the Auxiliary’s fundraising year from their leadership team.  

The afternoon’s highlight came with a captivating fireside chat featuring iconic San Francisco ballet teacher Miss Tilly, interviewed by San Francisco Chronicle Arts & Culture Editor Tony Bravo. After years of touring the world with San Francisco Ballet, Miss Tilly (Tilly Abbe) started her own dance school in the basement of her home in 1969. Tilly mesmerized luncheon attendees with her stories of touring internationally with the company in its early days. SF Ballet Executive Director Branislav Henselmann also shared insights about upcoming strategic initiatives, emphasizing how the Auxiliary’s continued support will help bridge the company’s storied legacy with Artistic Director Tamara Rojo’s transformative vision for ballet’s future.