SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Politics are looming large over the San Francisco Ballet as it opens its 2026 season.
However, politics are looming large as the season opens.
The ballet is set to perform at the Kennedy Center this year. A petition with over 2,000 signatures is demanding the group cancel because of President Donald Trump’s takeover of the iconic arts venue.
SF Ballet held its opening night gala on Wednesday at City Hall. It’s the start of what company leaders call a milestone year.
“It’s also the 50th anniversary of San Francisco Ballet Orchestra,” said Executive Director Branislav Henselmann.
MORE: Kennedy Center renaming prompts new round of cancellations from artists
The celebration drew major city leaders, including Mayor Daniel Lurie, who attended not just as a guest, but also as a proud parent.
“For my daughter, who is in the San Francisco Ballet. (She’s) been in The Nutcracker the last few years,” Lurie said.
On stage this season, the company says audiences can expect performances meant to reflect the city it calls home, including one production centered around artificial intelligence.
“When I commissioned it for San Francisco Ballet, very important for me that this company is relevant, speaking on themes of today, and that it reflects this amazing city,” said Artistic Director Tamara Rojo.
San Francisco Ballet will also represent the Bay Area well beyond California, with tour stops as far as Scotland, and a planned spring performance in Washington, D.C. at the Kennedy Center, which has recently been renamed as the Trump-Kennedy Center.
MORE: The Kennedy Center starts work to add Trump’s name onto the building
Artists and organizations have since cancelled performances, including Lin-Manuel Miranda. That decision has also prompted a passionate response from some of the company’s supporters.
“I love the ballet so much. I don’t want to see them taint it,” said Daniel Detorie, who started a petition, urging the company to reconsider the D.C. stop. He considers himself an ardent supporter of the SF Ballet and has gone to performances for the last 50 years.
Detorie said the petition is not a boycott, but rather a statement from supporters who care deeply about the organization. In just one week, it has gathered nearly 2,500 signatures.
“I have nothing but love for the San Francisco Ballet,” Detorie said. “It does make a political statement by us going, and I just don’t think it’s the time to be there.”
Ballet leadership, meanwhile, says focus remains on the company’s artistic mission.
“Tonight, we’re here to celebrate the opening of the season,” Henselmann said. “What we should be doing? Concentrate on what San Francisco Ballet does best.”
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