Alumni News: Isaac Hernandez moving up at San Francisco Ballet
Former Rock School student Isaac Hernandez is quickly moving up in the company at San Francisco Ballet.Press: “Isaac Hernandez as Franz in Coppelia” A sudden cast change in the current performances of Coppelia with San Francisco Ballet placed Isaac Hernandez as Franz opposite Vanessa Zahorian as Swanhilda March 24. By coincidence both dancers were at the Jackson Competition in 2006 when Zahorian was Davit Karapetyan’s non-competing partner and Isaac took the junior gold medal.
The report late this evening said that “Isaac kept pace with Vanessa’s footwork.” Said footwork being dazzling, it speaks well of his first exposure. Named a soloist the end of December, it augurs elevation to principal status fairly soon. - Renee Renouf
Karen Oguma, mother of Oliver Oguma (a former Rock School student and also now part of SFB’s school) said: Isaac’s “Coppelia” debut with SFB last night was a fantastic night of dancing. His first act variation was flawless, his comedic acting chops, especially in the second act, were spot-on, and he exuded a playful boyishness. The house was packed and welcomed him with an ovation the moment he stepped on the stage, before he even danced, and they continued to be responsive and enthusiastic throughout.
Isaac was a student with The Rock School for three years, until in 2006 he took the Gold medal in the junior division at the prestigious USA International Ballet Competition, which only occurs every 4 years and is seen as the Olympics of Ballet. Since then, Isaac’s career has been going nowhere but up, as he continues to work hard and perfect his technique.
Here are photos of Isaac teaching during our 2009 Summer Ballet Intensive. It’s rumored that if he has time from the company he’ll be stopping by this summer to guest teach and visit the school.
