Ballet22
presents
SUMMER SEASON
July 25-26, 2026
Cowell Theater at Fort Mason | San Francisco, CA
About Ballet22
Founded in 2020, Ballet22 exists to push the boundaries of what is possible in ballet by focusing on producing and presenting works that break gender normative traditions, specifically by presenting men, trans, and non-binary artists “en pointe.” The company is also dedicated to commissioning works that bring LGBTQIA+ representation to the art form. The company is directed by Executive Director & Co-Founder Theresa Knudson, and Co-Directors Daniel R. Durrett and Lorris Eichinger and is based in Oakland, CA.
Since its founding, Ballet22 has produced ten full length live productions and has commissioned fourteen new ballet works that contribute to the mission and queer representation in the ballet world. In addition the company has several created digital programs, produced award winning dance films, offered dance workshops, and has toured to Santa Barbara, CA, and Boise, ID.
The company was named Dance Magazine “25 to Watch” in 2022 and received an Isadora Duncan Dance Award Nomination for the 2021-22 season for Outstanding Achievement in Performance – Company.
Summer Season 2026 is Co-Directed by Daniel R. Durrett, Lorris Eichinger, and Theresa Knudson.
Directors Notes
Thank you for joining us for Ballet22’s Summer Season 2026 to celebrate queer, trans, and non-binary ballet dancers and their undeniable contributions to ballet. This Summer Season 2026 is our 10th in-person full length production.
Ballet22 performances show reverence to the classical art form while renouncing the establishment that has upheld toxic standards in the name of tradition. These performances are both a celebration and a protest. You are witnessing ballet history as the dancers and choreographers blaze a new trail for the future for the craft.
This production was made possible by critical funding from Isaac Hall, Megan Somogyi, The Hestia Fund, and the many donors that have contributed to ensure the artists of Ballet22 are compensated.
Thank you to SF Dance Gear, Suffolk and Bloch for providing pointe shoes to Daniel R. Durrett, Jake Speakman, and Luca Ataide , and Mark Schreiber for sponsoring pointe shoes for Victor Maguad, Liam Vincent Hutt, Taiyo Makimura, and William Robinson. Thank you to Oscar Perez of Performa Physical Therapy & Pilates for providing physical therapy and care for the dancers during this process. And a big thank you to Alexander Irwin for years of dedication filming the Ballet22 performances, preserving the work the artists have accomplished.
Thank you, always, to the dancers and choreographers for your bravery, your beauty, and for sharing yourselves as artists and humans with the world. You are the heart and soul of Ballet22.
In this program you will see excerpts from the beloved classic Coppelia, La Follia by Durante Verzola, and a world premiere by choreographer Keelan Whitmore.
We want you to enjoy this experience fully. Please clap and cheer for the dancers as they take a bow, enjoy a beverage, and follow us on social media to stay up to date on our upcoming projects. Our next show is July 24 & 25, 2027 here at the Cowell Theater.
Thank you all for being here and supporting the work and mission of Ballet22! Enjoy the show!
With gratitude,
Daniel, Lorris, and Theresa
ACT I
Coppelia
Choreography:
Arthur Saint-Léon, Marius Petipa, and Enrico Cecchetti
Music:
Léo Delibes
Program Notes:
PREMIERE OF COPPELIA HISTORY OF COPPELIA AND ONGOING LEGACY OF COPPELIA
The following suite was staged by Daniel R. Durrett, and received additional coaching from Kaori Rendall-Jackson who each brought their own lineage of knowledge from their teachers to the dancers you will see performing today.
Swanhilda’s Friends
Daniel R. Durrett, Victor Maguad, Lucas Ataide, Taiyo Makimura, Liam Vincent Hutt, William Robinson
Swanhilda Act I Friends Variation
Jake Speakman
Dawn Variation
Daniel R. Durrett
Swanhilda Act I Waltz Variation
Victor Maguad
Swanhilda Act II Spanish Variation
Lucas Ataide
Spinner Variation
Taiyo Makimura
Prayer Variation
Liam Vincent Hutt
Swanhilda Act III Wedding Variation
William Robinson
Coda
All Dancers