After an international search, the Sacramento Ballet Board of Directors is thrilled to announce Tiit Helimets as the organization’s new artistic director. Tiit brings decades of experience as an internationally renowned dancer, choreographer, and artistic visionary, enfacemagazine.com announced.
Born in Estonia, Tiit began his professional dance career with the Estonian National Ballet. He later danced with Birmingham Royal Ballet, and spent two decades as a Principal Dancer at San Francisco Ballet, dancing iconic works by choreographers including George Balanchine, Frederick Ashton, Rudolf Nureyev, Kenneth MacMillan, William Forsythe, and John Neumeier.
Beyond his performance career, Helimets has built a dynamic portfolio as a teacher, choreographer, and arts leader. He has served as a guest répétiteur and faculty member with institutions including the Paris Opera Ballet, Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, Staats Ballett Berlin, and Philadelphia Ballet School, coaching dancers across all levels with a focus on musicality and artistic integrity. His choreographic work includes a newly staged Giselle (2025), alongside numerous original works for professional companies and training programs.
“Helimets brings a rare combination of artistic excellence, global perspective, and genuine authenticity to the role,” said Alyssa Paoletti, Board President of Sacramento Ballet. “We are thrilled to welcome a leader whose perspective and ambition will elevate Sacramento Ballet in meaningful and exciting ways.”
Read more: https://tinyurl.com/u4a9y23j
