En Pointe and On a Mission with Katherine Barkman 🩰

PIROUETTES FOR PURPOSE

Katherine Barkman is an American ballerina who is currently a soloist with the San Francisco Ballet, and the newest Team Ocean Captain!

Prior to her current appointment, Katherine danced principal roles with The Washington Ballet after winning consecutive Silver Medals from two of the world’s most prestigious ballet Olympiads, and began her professional career as a principal dancer with Ballet Manila, one of the most eminent classical ballet companies in Asia. At 18, she was the youngest artist to assume this position with the company.

As an international guest artist, she has performed in festivals, galas, and full-length productions in Mexico, Latvia, Australia, Canada, Spain, Argentina, Paraguay, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, the Philippines, as well as in major cities across the United States.

Q: You’ve made a name for yourself as a soloist at the San Francisco Ballet and other prestigious ballet companies. What inspired you to get involved in ocean conservation?

A: I have been dancing my whole life. It has been the way I express myself and connect with the world. As a professional ballet dancer with San Francisco Ballet,  I have the privilege of performing for thousands of people every year. The theatre is a sacred place–I see firsthand how art creates connection–and spreads joy, and I see how much that’s worth fighting for. With the climate crisis at our doors, I feel moved to get involved and do my part. I think that protecting our planet truly starts with protecting our oceans. 

Q: As an international guest artist, you’ve traveled the world to tell all kinds of stories through ballet. What unique perspective do you bring to ocean conservation as a ballerina?

A: I have been fortunate that my art form has allowed me to see the world and experience so many different cultures. I have truly felt the sense of oneness and interconnectedness between people–both onstage and off. This idea that everything we do affects the world in some way is critical and essential when it comes to honest conservation. Every action we take to help protect our oceans will affect people far beyond our own bubbles. 

Q: What personal connection drives your commitment to be a catalyst for change in the ocean conservation movement? 

A: I have always loved the ocean and often find myself by the water when I need a sense of peace. I’m worried about the future of our planet – and the impact the climate crisis will have on all of the things that are important to us as a society. The places that we come together to share joy – theatres, stadiums, arenas. We have to ensure these sacred spaces for arts, sports & entertainment will be around for future generations. 

Q: At every performance, and in every body movement, you bring the passion; how can we bring that same energy to ocean conservation?

A: Dance is all about creative expression. It’s about sharing in human emotion and feeling that is beyond words. There is no movement that does not have meaning to it.  It is that idea that I’m passionate about–and I feel that passion and compassion follow me off the stage and into other areas of my life. It’s realizing that ocean conservation and environmental protection are bigger than what’s right in front of you.

“For me – dancing is like breathing and after learning that every second breath we take is powered by the ocean – I feel compelled to get involved and do what I can to help protect our planet and ultimately the future of the things we love most.”

– Katherine Barkman, American ballerina and Team Ocean Captain

Q: Any final message you’d like to share with people who look up to you—whether as a dancer or now as a Team Ocean Captain? 

A: Believe that even the smallest action taken with a sincere heart–positively affects the world around you–and that alone makes it worth doing.