BRAVO Stays Busy
SF Ballet's Fantastic Group of Superhero Volunteers
Energized by their enthusiasm for dance, BRAVO makes up an indispensable part of the work force at SF Ballet. Their mission is to help the Company in every aspect of its operations by offering administrative assistance, tabling events promoting the Company, and chaperoning our youngest dancers during performances. The busiest time of year is during Nutcracker. There's no end to the help they provide! Scheduling nearly 45 volunteers to chaperone hundreds of kids backstage for each performance, BRAVO donates on average 3,500 volunteer hours by the time we wrap up Nutcracker by the end of December.
BRAVO is a fun group who enjoys their time in the Opera House, and as you'll see outside the Opera House as well.
Paul Clothier is a composer.
- I'm passionate about yoga and composing music. Last year, a dance company choreographed a dance to one of my musical pieces—it was very exciting and satisfying.
Elmira Lagundi uses her voice.
- I am in four choirs that sing in different languages.
Barbara Lim is a watercolorist and costumer.
- Lots of knitting and sewing, cooking, writing, reading, and posting my current projects on Instagram @barbaralimstudio.
Johanna Payne loves theater.
- Ushering in 6 Bay Area theaters takes up most of my time. I love to walk, read, do crosswords and computer games, sew, and knit.
Kathy Judd loves being outside.
- My non-ballet activity is mainly working in the community garden next to my building. And the columbine is blooming thanks to coffee grounds as fertilizer.
Holly Larsen is a docent-in-training.
- I was going to graduate to become a full docent at the Walnut Creek Ruth Bancroft Garden on April 11, but that is on hold for now. Still—ask me about succulents! I know enough to make your eyes glaze over.
Toni Postel is a parent of a SF Ballet School student.
- We have an acre of land and spend our time gardening, raising bunnies, and keeping up our property in Sonoma County.
Margaret Anderson has a green thumb.
- I'm gardening at the back of my house with the goal of a weed-free garden by summer. The roses are starting to bloom. This year has been an excellent year for orchids and my hellebore. I have plenty of lemons.
Steve Merlo is involved with Sierra Club Volunteer Projects.
- My three favorites are in New York City working in Riverside Park, on Martha's Vineyard helping increase the presence of native plants, and southwest of Tucson, Arizona, taking down barbed wire fences in a wildlife refuge.
Sara Rohan volunteers and loves to learn.
- I volunteer as a Trained Cuddler at a children's hospital. I've taken classes at SF State Osher Lifelong Living Institute (OLLI) and I love to dance.
Carolyn Hutchison is a PeacePal.
- People form knitting circles and knit for the non-profit group, knitting4peace.org. We collect these handmade items and send them to the people who need them, like women's shelters, organizations who work with trafficked girls, hospitals, and other non-profits all over the world.
Marisa Mitchell is a solar power plant developer and a CEO.
- I am the CEO of a small startup company that is designing improved ballet pointe shoes that will better support the foot and minimize pressure, pain, and discomfort.
Shannon Gomes runs Good Food PR.
- Here in SF, I'm immersed in the world of food & beverage. I have two children and we love to do lots of cooking and baking at home together.
Melissa Daymond is an educator in Tiburon.
- My time now is consumed with providing Distance Learning to our district's K–8 students.
Jackie Mills is an aspiring DJ at the Blue Bear School of Music.
- I am also a SHE-CAN mentor and serve on a mentor team for a scholar from Cambodia who is currently studying at Lafayette College.
Lynn Fortunato studies Italian.
- I'm a beginner, but I'm serious about learning the language. My hope is to go to Italy for a year or two. I'll still go at some point. I love the language, the culture, and the beauty of the country. Italy will prevail!
Sharon London works out and is taking spring cleaning to new levels.
- My trainer sends me a new at-home workout daily and my Pilates guru sends texts twice a week. I have cleaned everything in sight.

If you're interested in joining BRAVO, there are numerous ways your volunteering can make a difference at SF Ballet, including:
- Onsite help in our offices and during special events, such as receptions, fundraisers, and the annual opening night gala
- Retail work for the Shop at SF Ballet
- Chaperoning students in various ballet productions
- Language translation
BRAVO is looking for volunteers who care about dance, can interface easily with staff and patrons, and are interested in arts and culture. You must be at least 18 years old and volunteer a minimum of 10 hours per year.
Header Image: San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker Family Performance // © Chris Hardy