As the curtains rose, we knew we were about to witness something truly exceptional. In the heart of the San Francisco arts district, the Herbst Theatre transformed into the global epicenter of ballet for the highly anticipated inaugural Petipa Awards Gala. This magnificent event was a fusion of ceremony and performance, curated to shine a spotlight on the world's most exceptional dancers, representing renowned ballet companies from across the globe.

Click above to watch our highlights from the 2023 Petipa Awards Gala!

Red Curtain Addict Founders Kari and Parker Coomans not only had the opportunity to cover the red carpet for this special event, but they also had the honor to host the awards ceremony to recognize the laureates that were hand-selected for their exceptional talent and for their dedication to progressing the art of ballet. "It was a truly magical evening, celebrating the timeless beauty of ballet and the individuals who continue to shape its future," says Kari Lincks Coomans. “We are so thankful that the Petipa Heritage Foundation hosted this special event in San Francisco,” says Parker Coomans. “we hope they continue to do so in the future!

About the Petipa Heritage Foundation

At the heart of the ballet world, the Petipa Heritage Foundation stands as a steadfast guardian of tradition and a beacon of innovation. With a namesake inspired by the legendary choreographer Marius Petipa (AKA: The Father of Classical Ballet), this foundation is a testament to its commitment to preserving and celebrating ballet's rich heritage. Beyond its reverence for tradition, the Petipa Heritage Foundation also champions excellence in dance, choreography, and the continuous evolution of this timeless art form.

The Petipa Awards Gala made its American debut in San Francisco, drawing dancers, choreographers, arts leaders, and dance enthusiasts from around the globe to partake in this momentous occasion. The event was a vibrant tapestry of diversity, with attendees spanning various ages and nationalities, creating an exciting and inclusive atmosphere. 

Red Carpet Highlights

Before the ceremony began, Red Curtain Addict Founder Kari Lincks Coomans had the opportunity to meet up with some of the notable guests on the red carpet. One of which was Helgi Tómasson, former Artistic Director and Choreographer who was with San Francisco Ballet for over 35 years. He was there to present the Diamond Award to Ted Brandsen, the Artistic Director of the National Dutch Ballet. “It’s such a great honor to receive this award, especially from Helgi’s hands, someone I’ve admired throughout my own directorship,” said Ted. “He’s someone I’ve always looked up to for what he’s done for San Francisco Ballet and for ballet internationally.”

Another notable VIP seen on the red carpet was Margaret Willis, a cherished dance author based in London who has worked with many prestigious dance publications, such as Dance Magazine. “I think tonight is going to be special because there are so many extra dividends to the evening,” said Margaret. “...with young people right up to the really authoritatives of dancers. Of course, there are a lot of new works tonight too!”

"We've dedicated nearly a year to this project," remarked Yuri Rabover, President of the Petipa Heritage Foundation. The journey involved establishing the foundation in the U.S., extending invitations to esteemed dancers, curating the performance lineup, crafting elegant trophies, and a myriad of other tasks. As attendees, we were profoundly impressed and extend our heartfelt congratulations to them for a job exceptionally well done!

Awards Ceremony Highlights

The honorees were categorized into three prestigious tiers: the Amber Award, recognizing a lifetime of achievement and an exceptional contribution to choreographic art; the Sapphire Award, celebrating extraordinary artistry and exceptional technical skills; and the Diamond Award, honoring those who uphold classical ballet traditions and champion emerging choreographers.

This year's remarkable Petipa Award Laureates comprised Natalia Makarova and the late Pierre Lacotte (received by Dorothée Gilbert, Étoile Paris Opera Ballet), both receiving the coveted Amber Award, while Lucia Lacarra and Hugo Marchand were adorned with the Sapphire Award. The Dutch National Ballet received the esteemed Diamond Award, accepted by Ted Brandsen, the company's Artist Director and Choreographer.

Each Laureate's heartfelt speech echoed with gratitude as they expressed their deep appreciation for this prestigious recognition of their personal contributions to the world of ballet. Notably, Natalia Makarova's declaration, "This award, named after the name of Marius Petipa… I think it is the highest honor in my artistic life," was one of the evening's most poignant moments, capturing the essence of the profound significance of the Petipa Awards Gala.

Performance Highlights

The evening was filled with countless remarkable moments. Notably, it marked many dancers' inaugural performances in San Francisco, adding to the night's excitement. Speaking of "firsts," the program featured several U.S. premieres and one world premiere, introducing American audiences to a selection of works, including pieces from Marius Petipa's renowned portfolio of masterpieces.

A true highlight of the evening was the revival of Marius Petipa's "Bluebeard," a forgotten masterpiece he created in 1896 as a personal gift to himself to mark his 75th birthday and commemorate 50 years of dedicated service to the Russian Emperor. This exquisite work had long been buried in the records of history. However, thanks to the unwavering dedication and extensive research led by Vasily Medvedev, one of the Founders of the Petipa Heritage Foundation, the "Grand Pas Electrique" from "Bluebeard" was resurrected and presented to a captivated audience at the celebratory event.

As the final curtain descended, a standing ovation erupted throughout the audience, a resounding tribute to an extraordinary evening and a vibrant celebration of ballet. This fervent applause echoed a resounding message: the world of ballet is not just enduring; it is thriving and destined to blossom for generations yet to come!

"It was a truly magical evening, celebrating the timeless beauty of ballet and the individuals who continue to shape its future," says Kari Lincks Coomas, who had the opportunity to interview many guests at the VIP Reception. “I’m so happy!” exclaimed Stanislav Fečo, Founder and Director of the Petipa Heritage Foundation, after being asked how he felt about the overall event. “All the dancers did maximum. The audience loved them, and they loved the audience, so they gave everything. It was a fantastic exchange.”

The success of this inaugural event has already garnered significant attention in the ballet world, setting high expectations for future editions of the Petipa Heritage Foundation Ceremony and Gala. To find out more about the Petipa Heritage Foundation, click here.