Smuin Ballet’s “French Kiss” Performance Praised for Blending Tradition and Innovation
A review of Smuin Ballet's performance titled "French Kiss" in the San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose area highlights the company's success in honoring tradition without being confined by it.

San Francisco Oakland San Jose, CA, September 24, 2026 — Smuin Ballet’s recent production, “French Kiss,” has garnered attention for its skillful navigation of classical ballet heritage and contemporary artistic expression. The performance, which was reviewed across the San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose area, was noted for its ability to acknowledge and build upon established ballet traditions while simultaneously pushing creative boundaries.
Reviewers highlighted “French Kiss” as a testament to Smuin Ballet’s artistic vision, emphasizing the company’s success in maintaining a connection to the foundations of ballet while exploring new directions. This approach allows the company to resonate with both long-time aficionados of the art form and newer audiences seeking innovative performances.
The specific details regarding the choreography, music selection, or dancers involved in “French Kiss” were not provided in the review summary. Similarly, information about the duration of the performance run or the specific venues within the San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose area where it was presented was not detailed. The review’s focus remained on the overarching thematic success of the performance in balancing historical respect with artistic freedom.
This characteristic approach positions Smuin Ballet as a company that honors its roots while remaining dynamic and relevant in the contemporary dance landscape. The reported success of “French Kiss” indicates a continued engagement with audiences through performances that are both respectful of tradition and forward-looking in their execution.
Story summarized from the original created by Charles Lewis III on missionlocal.org, see more information here.
