Born in Ukraine, Possokhov trained at the Moscow Ballet School. He appeared with the Royal Danish Ballet and the Bolshoi Ballet before joining SF Ballet as a principal in 1994. He has created five dances for the company, including a 2003 Don Quixote created with artistic director Helgi Tomasson and last year's Reflections, and has choreographed for Oregon Ballet Theatre and the Bolshoi.

As choreographer in residence, Possokhov will create a new work for San Francisco Ballet. He will continue to work with other companies as well.

"I am very pleased that Yuri will remain with San Fracisco Ballet in an artistic capacity," Tomasson said. "Yuri's talent and innovation are a perfect fit for this position."