Possokhov's new role.

If the dancers of today's San Francisco Ballet add up to an international array of artists, much of the credit goes to Yuri Possokhov, who retired at the end of the 2006 repertory season. While artistic director Helgi Tomasson had previously invited guests from abroad to join his company, Possokhov was the first who came, stayed, and flourished. The Ukrainian-born performer's earlier tenures with the Bolshoi and the Royal Danish Ballet, where Tomasson met him in 1994, imparted a European pedigree to SFB. Other dancers followed his example. Throughout his 12 years in San Francisco, Possokhov excelled in the narrative classics as well as the Balanchine repertoire. His Albrecht was anguished. His Romeo was ardent. His dancing master in Flemming Flindt's Lesson was sociopathically unhinged.

Now Possokhov is bringing his wry wit and dramatic attack to making dances. His Cinderella at the Bolshoi last February reaped positive reviews and may yet make its way to these shores. Simultaneous with Possokhov's retirement, Tomasson appointed him choreographer in residence. He will create his sixth ballet for SFB--a new Firebird--next February.