Sasha De Sola

About Sasha De Sola

Early Beginnings and Ascent to Stardom:

Born in the scenic locale of Winter Park, Florida, Sasha De Sola’s journey in the world of ballet began at the prestigious Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C. Under the mentorship of ballet luminaries like Ludmila Morkovina and Anatoli Kucheruk, Sasha honed her skills on a full merit scholarship. Her dedication and talent were further recognized with a scholarship at the Paris Opera Ballet School in 2004.

Rising Through the Ranks:

At the tender age of 17, Sasha’s professional career took flight with the San Francisco Ballet. Demonstrating exceptional skill and artistry, she swiftly ascended to the rank of Principal Dancer by the 2017 season. Her grace and commitment to her craft earned her the prestigious title of Diane B. Wilsey Principal Dancer in 2020.

A Repertoire of Iconic Roles:

Sasha’s repertoire with the San Francisco Ballet is a tapestry of classical and contemporary ballet. Her portrayals of Odette/Odile in “Swan Lake”, Aurora in “The Sleeping Beauty”, and the eponymous roles in “Giselle” and “Cinderella” have been lauded for their emotional depth and technical finesse. Her versatility shines in works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and William Forsythe, among others.

Awards and Accolades:

Sasha’s excellence in ballet has been acknowledged globally. She is a recipient of numerous accolades, including the Bronze Medal at the Varna International Ballet Competition and the Silver Medal at the World Ballet Competition. Her nomination as Dance Europe’s Dancer of the Year in 2020 is a testament to her enduring impact in the world of dance.

Beyond the Stage:

Sasha’s passion extends beyond dance into philanthropy and entrepreneurship. In 2019, she launched The Ascendant, a charitable initiative in partnership with Fiat Lux. This endeavor melds her love for dance with her commitment to community, supporting non-profit organizations like Dancin Power and San Francisco Ballet.

Education and Personal Development:

Sasha’s quest for knowledge is evident in her academic achievements. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts from Saint Mary’s College of California and completed Harvard Business School’s ‘Crossover Into Business’ program in 2022, showcasing her multifaceted talents.

In her role as a speaker:

Sasha De Sola combines eloquence with a warm and approachable demeanor, reflecting the grace and discipline of her ballet career. She articulates her thoughts and experiences with clarity and insight, engaging her audience with a sincere passion for the arts. Sasha’s speeches are marked by a thoughtful and reflective style, as she delves into the intricacies of her experiences and the emotional aspects of her career, particularly highlighting the challenges and transformations she faced during the pandemic. Her poise and grace, so evident in her dance performances, also permeate her speaking, adding to her compelling presence. This blend of eloquence, warmth, insight, and passion makes Sasha an inspiring and captivating speaker, capable of connecting deeply with her audience on both professional and personal levels.

In Summary:

Sasha De Sola is not just a principal dancer; she is a beacon of artistic brilliance, inspiring audiences worldwide with her mesmerizing performances. Her journey from a bright-eyed student to a principal dancer at one of the world’s leading ballet companies is a narrative of passion, dedication, and excellence. Sasha continues to enchant the ballet world with her elegance, grace, and commitment to the arts and community.