SF Ballet Gala Celebrates 93rd Season with Dazzling Performances

The annual event continues to be one of San Francisco's top social events, drawing a fashionable crowd and showcasing the company's artistry.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:55pm by Ben Kaplan

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The San Francisco Ballet's 93rd opening gala was a night to remember, with the event once again ranking among the city's top social soirées. The evening featured dazzling performances, including a haunting piece from "Glass Pieces" by Jerome Robbins and a campy, over-the-top rendition of "Stars and Stripes Forever" by George Balanchine. The fashions were also a highlight, with attendees donning their most dramatic looks for the occasion. After the main event, the party continued at an "after after" gathering, where the ballet corps and other revelers danced the night away.

Why it matters

The San Francisco Ballet gala is a long-standing tradition that celebrates the company's artistry and draws the city's social elite. The event's continued success and popularity reflect the enduring appeal of the ballet in San Francisco, as well as the community's commitment to supporting the arts. The gala also serves as a platform for the Ballet's Young Patrons Circle, which aims to engage a younger generation of philanthropists and arts supporters.

The details

The gala featured several standout performances, including a haunting piece from "Glass Pieces" by Jerome Robbins that evoked "Logan's Run" with its monochrome leotards and futuristic backdrop. The big finish of the night was a campy rendition of "Stars and Stripes Forever" by George Balanchine, which featured over-the-top costumes and music that reminded attendees of Midge Maisel performing for the troops. The fashion was also a highlight, with attendees donning their most dramatic looks, including a Karl the Fog-inspired black bodice and pink poof dress, a custom ballgown designed by Stephanie Verrières, and a classic silhouette from Selkie with an added hoop skirt.

  • The San Francisco Ballet's 93rd opening gala took place on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.
  • The "after after" party continued well past midnight, with the festivities going on for more than a decade.

The players

Tamara Rojo

The creative director of the San Francisco Ballet, who has brought a spate of contemporary dances to the company.

Harrison James

A dancer with the San Francisco Ballet, who was spotted by the author at the gala and recognized from a previous story.

Nikisha Fogo

A dancer with the San Francisco Ballet, who was still dancing at the "after after" party despite having performed in pointe shoes earlier in the evening.

Cecilia From Sebastopol

A recent San Francisco transplant who helped the author navigate the party and make new friends.

DJ JNE

The DJ who provided an amazing set at the "after after" party, which the author noted can be caught playing the last Thursday of every month at Moby Dick.

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What they’re saying

“You write, right?”

— Harrison James, Dancer (Overheard at the gala)

“It was just way too early for the party to stop.”

— Former SF Ballet dancer (Overheard at the "after after" party)

What’s next

The San Francisco Ballet's 2026-2027 season will continue with a full slate of performances, and the annual gala is expected to return next year, drawing the city's social elite once again.

The takeaway

The San Francisco Ballet gala remains one of the city's premier social events, showcasing the company's artistry while also serving as a platform for the Ballet's Young Patrons Circle to engage a new generation of arts supporters. The event's continued success and popularity reflect the enduring appeal of the ballet in San Francisco and the community's commitment to supporting the arts.