SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Ballet is the oldest ballet company and school in the country. This year, it is celebrating its 90th anniversary and, next week, its students will take the stage for a very special presentation called Spring Festival.
Trainee Jacey Gailliard, age 18, has been preparing for the big showcase since the school year began in August.
She spends six days a week, nearly eight hours a day, perfecting her moves at the San Francisco Ballet School.
The Pennsylvania native said she has dreamed of attending the school since she was 12 years old after she completed a summer program here.
Her mother finally agreed to let her make the move alone when she turned 15.
“It’s really been a part of my life since I was three years old. I always knew that I loved to dance and I just wanted to be on stage,” Gailliard said. “I think a lot of people don’t realize how many sacrifices it takes.”
Some of her…