Since its inception in 1972, Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) has grown to become one of the nine largest ballet companies in the United States. Based in Seattle, Washington, with a stellar national and international reputation for its artistry, repertory, and dedication to dance education, PNB presents performances at the breathtaking Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, an architecturally significant performing arts facility.
A Rich History and Vision
Pacific Northwest Ballet was founded by Kent Stowell and Francia Russell, former principal dancer with New York City Ballet and a world-renowned ballet mistress, respectively. As principal dancer and ballet mistress (and star of Balanchine Balanchine’s Ballo della Regina, with the Royal Swedish Ballet), Stowell and Russell brought an air of experience and experience. Nearly 40 years later, Seattle still lives up to its reputation as one of the major centers of contemporary ballet.
A few years later, Boal was named PNB’s artistic director to replace Kent Stowell and France Étienne. Boal, a former New York City Ballet principal dancer, has continued Kent and France’s successful tradition of hiring renowned choreographers to create new work for the company. Peter Boal as The Bluebird from Peter Martins’s Three Charming Dances (after Fokine). Photo courtesy of Peter BoalBoal has significantly grown PNB’s repertoire, providing a wider range of opportunities for his dancers, and has energized the creation of new work. His leadership has ensured that PNB remains competitive and in the spotlight of the ballet world.
Repertoire and Performances
The PNB repertoire, consequently, is diverse: works both classical and not, traditional and new. Among the company’s offerings are productions of classical Balanchine ballets; the company is in many ways Balanchine’s child, and the influence of the legendary choreographer on PNB’s identity has been extensive. You can, of course, see the classics of the classical repertoire, such as Swan Lake, Nutcracker, and Giselle.
Aside from its classical repertoire, PNB built an equally strong reputation for programming older and more adventurous works by contemporary choreographers including Twyla Tharp, William Forsythe, and Christopher Wheeldon; and for its ongoing commitment to work with contemporary choreographers to create new ballets.
Community Engagement and Education
Promoting community engagement and dance education is part of Pacific Northwest Ballet’s mission, with a range of outreach programs taking dance to many areas of society, often reaching new audiences free of charge. These are some of the ways people from every walk of life are inspired to experience and love ballet.
Founded back in 1974 the Pacific Northwest Ballet School stands out as a leading ballet institution, in the United States offering training to students, from their stages all the way to levels of learning. PNB School graduates frequently go on to dance with PNB and other international ballet companies. The school’s teaching is rooted in the belief that ballet is ‘an art form that embodies beauty and humanity, and our curriculum combines technique with artistry and the pursuit of the highest possible standards of personal integrity and discipline’.
Notable Achievements and Recognition
The Pacific Northwest Ballet has received accolades. Garnered extensive acclaim, for its exceptional work, innovative choreography, and the excellence of its performances. Every year the company presents a hugely popular version of The Nutcracker, choreographed by Kent Stowell with sets and costumes by Maurice Sendak, and their version is without parallel for imaginative staging and entrancing choreography.
Performances in renowned venues such as the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, and the Edinburgh International Festival have added luster to PNB’s growing reputation as a leading ballet company, making it a much yearned-for beacon of art, ingenuity, and artistic splendor, both locally and internationally.
Looking Forward
Moving forward, PNB will remain committed to its mission to ‘present, create, and educate to foster an informed and deeply engaged community’ that will respond to ‘the wonder and power of live dance performances by the greatest international choreographers’. The company’s global aims include the kind of grand midcentury endeavors that target the best possible – expanded repertory with new works by contemporary choreographers, expanding and developing community outreach efforts, and maintaining world-class training for students through PNB School.
Conclusion
Pacific Northwest Ballet shines as a symbol of excellence and creativity, in the dance world. With a rooted history, a repertoire, and a strong focus on education and community involvement PNB continues to inspire and enthrall audiences in Seattle and beyond. Whether showcasing the elegance of ballet or the innovation of pieces Pacific Northwest Ballet offers an enchanting experience that celebrates the beauty and skill of dance. Be sure not to miss out on seeing this company in action. Get your tickets for the season. Join us on a magical journey, through the realm of ballet.
