Jocelyn Vollmar of S.F. Ballet

At San Francisco Ballet's recent gala opening in January, rounds of polite applause greeted the introduction of many of the company's illustrious patrons and leaders, but when a trim, elegant little woman dressed impeccably in an evening gown made her way onto the stage of the War Memorial Opera House, there was a ripple through the room as the audience recognized America's first Snow Queen and rose to their feet in tribute.

"It's Jocelyn," went the whisper. "Get up! it's Jocelyn!"

Perhaps no figure in San Francisco Ballet's 75-year history is more beloved than Jocelyn Vollmar, who joined the company when it was 5 years old, and whose career traces nearly seven decades as dancer and then teacher for the Ballet.

Read more on the SF Chronicle site.