Sasha De Sola, Julia Rowe Inaugural Fellows of San Francisco Ballet's Raising Leaders
July 17, 2024—San Francisco Ballet has introduced Principal Dancer Sasha De Sola and Soloist Julia Rowe as the first recipients, or inaugural fellows, of its new artist development program Raising Leaders. The program offers a curriculum tailored to support the career growth of dancers as "future leaders of ballet beyond the stage."
The goal of the leadership training program, created and led by Director of Artist Development Kerry Nichols, is for recipients to develop leadership skills and learn the business end of ballet companies. "I am greatly looking forward to working with Sasha and Julia toward their professional goals," said Nicholls. "As SF Ballet nurtures the next generation of leaders in the dance industry on and off the stage, we aim to both expand what our organization has to offer and forge new partnerships with thought leaders across the Bay Area."
SF Ballet Artistic Director Tamara Rojo added, "I am thrilled to support Sasha and Julia as the inaugural fellows of Raising Leaders. Both artists embody the spirit of the initiative in their curiosity, leadership, and drive to effect positive change in themselves, at SF Ballet, and within the broader dance ecosystem."
Designed to meet the professional interests and career development of its fellows, Raising Leaders includes individual coaching, mentoring, and opportunities for professional observation. The program is part of SF Ballet's work in promoting the future of ballet and artist development. In 2023 the SF Ballet commenced Creation House to develop talent and careers, including creative opportunities in choreography and new work development to SF Ballet company members, as well as students of the SF Ballet School and guest artists. SF Ballet is partnering with the Stanford School of Medicine and LinkedIn to offer leadership training sessions and access to professional development specialists.
"As a ballet artist, you work toward contributing your individual perspective to a broader vision, a skill that is imperative for leaders," said De Sola. "I'm excited to leverage my 18 years of experience dancing with SF Ballet to learn more about the inner workings of ballet companies."
Rowe added that she is, "interested in empowering people from diverse backgrounds to tell their own stories through dance. "By exploring new skillsets with SF Ballet's guidance, I'm hoping to chart a path as a leader in the dance community."