San Francisco Ballet has appointed Branislav Henselmann as executive director. The veteran arts administrator will partner with Artistic Director Tamara Rojo as the acclaimed troupe continues to advance the future of ballet.
Beginning his new role in November 2024, Henselmann, who has more than 30 years of experience in the creative sector, comes to SF Ballet after leading the city of Vancouver’s arts, culture, and tourism efforts as its deputy general manager of arts, culture, and community Services. Prior to that, from 2012 to 2017, he led Ballet BC as executive director, overseeing the company’s transformation and expansion to both national and international stages.
“From my early days as a dancer, I’ve looked to San Francisco Ballet as a beacon for what ballet should and can be. I’m excited for the opportunity to lead this renowned company alongside Tamara Rojo and to support and uplift her innovative vision for ballet,” said Henselmann, who studied at the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance in London before moving to New York as a Merce Cunningham Foundation Scholar and DAAD German Academic Exchange Service Fellow.
“I am very excited to welcome Branislav to San Francisco as a partner in our efforts to strengthen the impact of SF Ballet,” said Rojo. “His experience leading Ballet BC and his strategic leadership for the cultural sector in Vancouver will be an amazing asset for our team and cultural community here in San Francisco.”
Rojo’s first season at SF Ballet was hailed as a success, particularly the premiere production of Aszure Barton’s Mere Mortals. Rojo also introduced some repertory from master English choreographers, a series that continues in 2025. The company has a deep commitment to new and contemporary works, as well as to the classical repertoire, while at the same time cultivating the next generation of dancers in its ballet school.
