Axel Sobel at San Francisco Ballet Summer Session
Axel (AQF '25) shares his experience at SFB summer intensive, and how much it helped him grow as a performer.
“San Francisco Ballet Summer Session was definitely one to remember. The program was structured so that I had multiple different teachers per week, although my main technique teacher was Viktor Plotnikov. I enjoyed his class like crazy, it was methodical and well paced, while working on the aspects of ballet technique I hadn’t yet explored to that depth. At my home studio we mainly focus on precise technique, but Plotnikov focused on the other aspects such as coordination, and presentation, all while honing our technique. He also taught us contemporary pas de deux, which was extremely eye opening and fun. I think of myself as relatively experienced in classical partnering, so when it came time for contemporary pas de deux class I was able to apply what I knew to the extremely different and challenging tasks that Plotnikov would assign. Another highlight in terms of classes was the ballet acting class taught by Ms. Ponemerenko, which was especially interesting because focusing on the theatrical aspects of ballet was new and exciting.
I enjoyed the program immensely, not just because of the teachers but because of my fellow students. I really appreciated being in a class full of many skilled male ballet dancers, who could inspire me in different ways. Each dancer was talented in their own ways, which meant I was being pushed by each person to be better at all times. For example, maybe one student had a good jump, maybe one a good turn, maybe one a beautiful adagio. This meant there was never a moment in class where I wasn’t being challenged to do better.
Outside of the program I really enjoyed the city. I wish I had the opportunity to explore the city more, but what I did see was crazy fun. Thank you AQF for the support, I am so grateful I got to live this experience!”
Axel Sobel