Tiit Helimets Retires After 18 Years With San Francisco Ballet

Tiit Helimets took his final bow as a San Francisco Ballet Principal Dancer on February 11, 2023, after the last performance of Dani Rowe's MADCAP. His family and fellow dancers joined him on stage to celebrate his accomplished career. This video played before the performance began.
Born in Estonia, Helimets danced with the Estonian National Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet before joining San Francisco Ballet as a principal dancer in 2005. He has appeared in hundreds of performances in the 18 years he danced at San Francisco Ballet.
Please join us in congratulating Tiit and wishing him all the best for his journey ahead.

[@projectanimation7730]

Wishing him a happy retirement after such a successful, beautiful career! I hope many relaxing days and new adventures await. 💐

[@susginoongBrian]

Happy Retirement, Tiit! Thank you for your artistry. ❤️

[@angelabaker1992]

I saw Tiit and Molly dance the leads in La Fille Mal Gardee with Birmingham Royal Ballet many years ago and they were both sublime in the principal roles. Wishing him a happy retirement.

[@theonyszidat3983]

Saw you dancing with your daughter. Absolutely beautiful ❤

[@annadavis2547]

Love his videos with his daughter. He is so patient and is beautiful to watch.

[@traditionalgirl5585]

I had Tiit in my photo studio, and he was gracious, mindful and generous. Quite an amazing human being. I wish him continued greatness.

[@An_Cat_Dubh]

One of the great partners in the 'old school' manner. He will be sorely missed.

[@LilianaCoutoBallet]

Good luck in your new life, dear Tiit. You are a wonderful principal dancer, a wonderful artist, and a great teacher too. Love!

[@jillabelson9324]

Phenomenal dancer and company. Thanks to SFB for your inspiration since I came to the city 13 years ago. Little Mermaid with Tiit and Yuan Yuan I will never forget. Blessings to this great dancer and all the best on your next act.

[@still_your_zelda]

Oh man, I’ve been following him on Instagram since 2013? I wish him luck and happiness in whatever he does next. :’)

[@verioffkin]

Good guy. I like him, his face, his smile. What'd he do and where he'd go now?

[@SMcCaskill]

Hopefully someone has contracted with him to be an instructor. Congratulations Tiit!

[@redlantern3371]

🥰🤩

[@veramentegina]

one of the greatest dancers at SFB. So sad seeing him retire. our noble prince will live in our hearts! thank you Tiit Helimets!!