Striving for Beauty

Set against the backdrop of the San Francisco Ballet during the Christensen Brothers era, the narrative unfolds through the eyes of Sally Bailey, a budding ballerina. It chronicles her journey and the evolution of the Company from the debut of the first full-length Nutcracker in America in 1944 through significant changes, including leadership transitions and Balanchine's influence. Sally's perspective reveals both personal and artistic challenges faced by dancers. A brief Epilogue connects the historical journey to the present day of the San Francisco Ballet.