San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House is set to come alive with Van Manen: Dutch Grandmaster, a San Francisco Ballet program running April 5–19, 2025. This isn’t just another ballet—it’s a tribute to Hans van Manen, a titan of Dutch dance whose innovative choreography has shaped the European scene for decades. Curated by Artistic Director Tamara Rojo, this evening promises a thrilling mix of classical elegance and contemporary edge, set to music from Bach to Piazzolla. Whether you’re a ballet aficionado or just curious about what’s going on in the European dance scene, this Van Manen Dutch Grandmaster showcase at 301 Van Ness Avenue is your ticket to a world-class experience.
Grosse Fuge brings van Manen’s bold vision to the War Memorial Opera House. Credit: San Francisco Ballet
A Dance Legend Takes the Stage
From April 5 to 19, 2025, the San Francisco Ballet honors Hans van Manen at the historic War Memorial Opera House. At 92, van Manen is a living legend, with over 150 ballets to his name—each marked by clarity, simplicity, and a deep dive into human connection. Tamara Rojo’s curation spotlights four of his dynamic works, making this a rare chance to see a Dutch master’s genius on American soil. It’s a perfect fit for one of the War Memorial Opera House events that define San Francisco’s cultural calendar.
What to Expect from Van Manen’s Works
This program is a journey through Hans van Manen choreography brilliance:
- Grosse Fuge: A groundbreaking ballet set to Beethoven, with a stark white stage and neon accents. It’s raw, academic, and pulsing with group dynamics—men and women in rhythmic interplay.
- Variations for Two Couples: A sleek, 14-minute piece from 2012, blending music by Britten, Piazzolla, and others. It’s a mysterious exploration of relationships, balancing flow and tension with principal dancers.
- Solo: Bach’s violin partita fuels this fast, virtuosic work. It’s all about individuality—athletic, precise, and bursting with energy.
- 5 Tango’s: The SF Ballet premiere of this steamy classic, set to Astor Piazzolla’s sultry tango rhythms. Expect sensual moves and stylized flair that fuse ballet’s precision with tango’s passion.
Running about two hours with intermissions, this lineup spans classical roots to modern daring—a feast for ballet lovers, tango buffs, and curious newcomers alike.
5 Tango’s heats up the stage with Piazzolla’s rhythms. Credit: San Francisco Ballet
Why This Program Shines in San Francisco
Van Manen’s work feels tailor-made for San Francisco. His focus on human relationships—emancipatory, earthy, and unpretentious—mirrors the city’s progressive spirit. From the sultry 5 Tango’s to the elegant Variations, these ballets resonate with SF’s blend of tradition and innovation. Whether you’ve got Amsterdam on your travel list or just love a good dance story, this program brings Europe’s cutting-edge choreography to the Bay Area’s iconic stage.
Plan Your Visit to the War Memorial Opera House
Ready to catch Van Manen: Dutch Grandmaster? Here’s the rundown:
- Tickets: Prices start at $54—grab them at sfballet.org. Save up to 20% with a CYO Duet package pairing this with another program.
- Getting There: Take MUNI (5 Fulton, 49 Van Ness, or N Judah) to Van Ness Avenue—steps from the venue. Parking’s available nearby, but public transit’s your best bet in Civic Center.
- Dine Nearby: Pre-show, hit Absinthe for French flair or enjoy the Opera House’s gourmet buffet (served two hours before curtain).
The War Uncover Memorial Opera House hosts van Manen’s masterpiece in style. Credit: SF War Memorial
Step Into van Manen’s World This April
Van Manen: Dutch Grandmaster is your chance to witness a dance icon’s legacy, right here in San Francisco. From April 5–19, 2025, the War Memorial Opera House becomes a portal to van Manen’s striking, soulful world—think tango heat, classical grace, and contemporary punch.