Beloved Ballet Teacher Miss Tilly Enchants Dance Lovers at San Francisco Ballet Auxiliary Lunch

San Francisco’s ballet community celebrated at Taj Campton Place on June 4 as the San Francisco Ballet Auxiliary hosted their Annual Luncheon, honoring an outstanding year of achievements and community building. The intimate gathering of 100 members marked the successful completion of major fundraising goals, accomplished even as the organization was transitioning leadership from President Carol Louie to Michelle Harris, continuing the organization’s vital mission of supporting the nation’s most longstanding professional ballet company.

By far the favorite moment of the day’s program belonged to Miss Tilly, the beloved San Francisco ballet teacher who has introduced more than 10,000 young dancers to classical movement over four decades. In conversation with Tony Bravo, Tilly Abbe shared captivating tales from her performing days with San Francisco Ballet, and the founding of her dance school in her home’s basement in 1969. New SF Ballet Executive Director Branislav Henselmann provided additional insights into the company’s future direction, emphasizing how the Auxiliary’s dedication helps ensure ballet remains relevant and electrifying for today’s audiences.