Smuin Ballet Turns 20

Smuin Ballet reached its 20th Anniversary this season. True to form, the company wrapped up its birthday with an eccentric program featuring Dancin’ With Gershwin, a Michael Smuin work, the world premiere of resident choreographer Amy Seiwert’s But now I must rest and the world premeire of Val Caniparoli’s Tutto Eccetto il Lavandino.

The chamber company began to include the work of multiple choreographers shortly before Michael Smuin’s death in 2007. Now, Smuin Ballet’s repertoire is wide ranging and eclectic, and includes work by Trey McIntyre, Helen Pickett and Jiří Kylián. In addition to big-name choreographers, the company has always championed artists living and working in the Bay Area.

As it looks toward another twenty years, the company’s plans for the future include a permanent home and a school offering versatile training for young dancers.

Susan Roemer and Joshua Reynolds in But now I must rest

(Photo by Chris Hardy/Smuin Ballet)