Helgi Tomasson

Helgi Tomasson is a renowned dancer and choreographer, best known for his work with the San Francisco Ballet and his collaborations with prominent choreographers such as George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. Born in Reykjavik, Iceland, Tomasson began his dance training at the Icelandic National Ballet School and later studied at the Royal Danish Ballet school. He has performed with numerous companies, including the Harkness Ballet and the New York City Ballet, working with esteemed dancers like Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gelsey Kirkland.

● Early Life and Training

Tomasson's early life was marked by his introduction to dance at the Icelandic National Ballet School, where he trained under the guidance of Vera Volkova, a former Bolshoi Ballet dancer. He later continued his studies at the Royal Danish Ballet school, where he was influenced by the Bournonville method, a technique developed by August Bournonville. Tomasson's training also included working with notable instructors like Stanley Williams and Harald Lander, who had previously worked with the Royal Danish Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre. During his time at the Royal Danish Ballet school, Tomasson had the opportunity to perform in various productions, including La Sylphide and Napoli, alongside dancers like Flemming Flindt and Lucette Aldous.

● Career

Tomasson's professional career began with the Royal Danish Ballet, where he danced alongside prominent dancers like Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev. He later joined the Harkness Ballet, touring extensively throughout the United States and Europe, and performing in works like The Firebird and Apollo. Tomasson's career also included a stint with the New York City Ballet, where he worked with choreographers like George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, and danced in iconic productions like Serenade and The Four Seasons. During his time with the New York City Ballet, Tomasson had the opportunity to collaborate with other notable dancers, including Jacques d'Amboise and Tanaquil Le Clercq.

● Artistic Directorship

In 1985, Tomasson became the artistic director of the San Francisco Ballet, a position he still holds today. Under his leadership, the company has become one of the premier ballet companies in the United States, known for its diverse repertoire and innovative productions. Tomasson has commissioned works from prominent choreographers like Mark Morris and William Forsythe, and has also collaborated with other notable companies, including the Paris Opera Ballet and the Bolshoi Ballet. During his tenure, the San Francisco Ballet has performed in numerous venues, including the War Memorial Opera House and the Kennedy Center, and has toured internationally to cities like London and Tokyo.

● Choreography

Tomasson has created numerous ballets for the San Francisco Ballet, including Concerto Grosso and The Fifth Season, which have been praised for their technical precision and musicality. He has also choreographed works for other companies, such as the New York City Ballet and the Royal Danish Ballet, and has collaborated with composers like Ludwig van Beethoven and Igor Stravinsky. Tomasson's choreographic style is characterized by its emphasis on classical technique and its incorporation of modern and contemporary elements, as seen in works like Swan Lake and Giselle. His ballets often feature complex patterns and formations, showcasing the technical skill of the dancers, as in The Sleeping Beauty and Romeo and Juliet.

● Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Tomasson has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of dance. He has been recognized with the Isadora Duncan Award for his choreography and the National Medal of Arts for his service to the arts. Tomasson has also been awarded honorary degrees from institutions like Yale University and the Juilliard School, and has been named a Kennedy Center Honoree for his lifetime achievements in dance. In addition, Tomasson has received the Capezio Dance Award and the Dance Magazine Award, and has been inducted into the Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Hall of Fame at the National Museum of Dance. Category:Dancers