PNB School - School Philosophy

About the School

Pacific Northwest Ballet School Fact Sheet & History (PDF File: 189K)

Founded in 1974, Pacific Northwest Ballet School is recognized as one of the top three ballet training institutions in the United States. Under the direction of Peter Boal, the School offers a complete, professional curriculum to more than 900 students. The School's Open Program attracts 600 teens and adults who wish to pursue recreational dance instruction in a supportive and encouraging setting.

Pacific Northwest Ballet School is divided into three divisions that are designed to challenge students with each year of study.

Creative Movement and Pre-Ballet students (ages 5-7) are introduced to music, movement and group interaction.

The Student Division offers eight levels of instruction. Auditions are required for admission and placement is based on age, strength and physical development.

The School's Professional Division offers advanced instruction for those students planning a professional dance career. This intensive dance instruction includes all aspects of classical ballet technique as well as modern, jazz and character dance. The program is complemented by courses in dance, history, music, choreography, special conditioning and other related subjects. Students are also provided physical and nutritional guidance from the School's staff and professional consultants.

Students benefit from the close ties with Pacific Northwest Ballet's professional Company, half of which received training in the School. Professional Division students often perform with the Company. Apprentices are drawn from the School's Professional Division. In addition, the annual production of Nutcracker and yearly School Performance gives students of all ages valuable performing experience.

The School offers full and partial tuition scholarships to students who demonstrate artistic potential and financial need. The scholarship fund has been strengthened by two $250,000 grants from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. These grants, covering a six year period, have also been used to increase faculty salaries and benefits, expand curricular offerings and plan a teacher training program.

Each year, Pacific Northwest Ballet School holds an intensive, five-week Summer Course that attracts students from around the United States and Canada. Students are admitted by invitation only, based on the results of a national audition tour held in January, February and March. Other School activities include a Teachers' Seminar, attracting ballet teachers from throughout North America and abroad.

With locations in Seattle and Bellevue, Washington, the School maintains a faculty of over 20 instructors, each with extensive performing backgrounds, and professional piano accompanists.