The Francia Russell Center.

The Francia Russell Center

Bringing world-class dance training and education to the Eastside


Pacific Northwest Ballet entered a new and exciting era with the opening of The Francia Russell Center in November 2002. To accommodate expanding enrollment, and in acknowledgement of the Eastside's growing prominence, PNB built a world-class dance training facility to better serve the entire Puget Sound region and attract a wider pool of talented students. Completion of this facility made PNB the first major arts institution in Washington with locations in both Seattle and Bellevue.

Computer renderings convey the School's professional tone and appeal, modeled after The Phelps Center in Seattle.

Architectural Design Echoes The Phelps Center

Design of The Francia Russell Center reflects the success of The Phelps Center, PNB's acclaimed facility in Seattle. The Seattle School provides ample space for students to gather, a special lounge for parents, and interior windows that allow visitors to catch a glimpse of what's going on inside the studios. Many have commented on The Phelps Center's open and inviting layout. Francia Russell, former PNB Artistic Director and Director of the School, calls it "PNB's family room. Students enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere where they can relax and be themselves. It is wonderful to walk into the building and have it bustling with students."

In order to preserve this welcoming atmosphere in The Francia Russell Center, PNB retained Gordon K. Walker, designer of The Phelps Center, as the architect for the new facility. While the two buildings look very different on the outside, their interior designs are similar. "My particular interest," Walker states, "is in the language of design as a means to develop a 'sense of place' in which people live, work and play." This sense of place is created with a "Main Street" walkway through the center of the School, creating a hub of activity much like a family home. This concept — creating a space where students and their parents and siblings can be comfortable and productive — is evident throughout the Eastside facility.

Highlights PNB's Francia Russell Center 24,000+ square feet on two floors 4 dance studios 2 conditioning studios Library Spacious adult and student dressing rooms Comfortable parent waiting area offering Internet access Each dance studio features: Resilient, "sprung" floors to prevent injury Professional-quality barres Pleasing lighting - the same used at The Phelps Center Optically correct mirrors that eliminate distortion Natural acoustics designed so students can easily hear the instructor Cathedral ceilings to create a light-filled, airy environment

New School Reaches Wider, More Diverse Audience
At over 24,000 square feet, The Francia Russell Center is five times larger than the former Eastside School. This additional space means the School is able to offer many more classes, at more levels, and at more convenient times. The School serves students in the Pre-K Division, Creative Movement through Level VI (Student Division) dance training. Open Classes for adults as well as PNBConditioning instruction in Pilates and yoga are also offered. With greater capacity and expanded class offerings, the School is a dance and fitness center for a whole new audience on the Eastside. The Francia Russell Center is also the home of the Eastside DanceChance program, which offers free classical ballet training to talented students who might not otherwise have the opportunity.

The Francia Russell Center is conveniently located near retail shops and other services.