New Works Initiative

Artistic Director Peter Boal's vision for Pacific Northwest Ballet is infused with innovation, diversity, and energy. This vision honors the traditions of PNB while it keeps PNB on the cutting edge with a focus on the presentation of new works from both up-and-coming and well-established choreographers to create a signature body of work for which PNB will be known.

PNB's New Works Initiative provides a flexible environment to create new works, develop dancers through performances, and fashion a repertory both firmly rooted in tradition and committed to the evolution of the artistic medium. New works contribute to the advancement of the art form, while presenting PNB's audiences with a wide range of dance to bolster a strong appreciation of the versatility of ballet and a true understanding of various choreographers' bodies of work.

Donors to the New Works Initiative fund the costs of creation and performance of new works at PNB.

What is a new work?

Jonathan Porretta in Victor Quijada's
Suspension of Disbelief.
Photo © Angela Sterling.

New works are defined in two distinctive ways. They are:

• PNB Premieres: Acquisitions and performances of short and full-length ballets of both contemporary and classic forms never before performed by the Company.
• World Premieres: Commissions of new contemporary choreography to be created on PNB dancers and performed for the first time to Seattle audiences.

Why are new works important to the artists?

Showcasing an array of fresh works by choreographers with distinctive techniques and visions illustrates the breadth and depth of ballet while providing PNB's dancers, as well as artistic, costume, production teams, and orchestra with a broad base of experience and opportunity to demonstrate the range of their ability and artistry. Being able to perform a spectrum of work has earned PNB dancers a well-deserved reputation for versatility, and the challenge of diverse roles retains and attracts the most talented dancers to the Company.

Do ticket revenues pay for new works?

Innovation, relevance, and creation come at a price. The reality of a ballet company is that ticket sales do not cover operating expenses. Today, seventy percent of PNB's budgetary needs are funded by ticket sales and performance fees. To achieve Peter Boal's bold vision and help define the future of ballet, PNB must turn to our patrons for help funding the continuation of our focus on the creation and performance of new choreography.

Make a donation today!

For more information on the New Works Initiative and how you can support this important vision, please contact Lilah Helton, Major Gifts Officer, at 206.441.3594 or LHelton@pnb.org. Donations to the New Works Initiative will provide you with new benefits as well as can increase your Membership level.

Support the PNB Premiere of George Balanchine's Coppélia