PNB Blog
Meet the 2026 Summer Course Auditioners
Beginning this January, PNB School is headed to a city near you for our 2026 Summer Course Audition Tour! Each audition is a full technique class adjudicated by a member of PNB School’s renowned faculty. We asked this expert team if they have summer course audition tips, what you should know about auditions, and more!
Artistic Director’s Notebook: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® 2025
"It has been 14 years since I asked Ian Falconer if he would collaborate with me on the production you are about to see. The Boal family had all the Olivia books and can still recite them from memory. I knew Ian loved ballet—so did Olivia who dreamed of dancing in The Nutcracker. Ian said, "Yes." In fact, it was more like, "Yes, I would love to..."
10 Fun Facts for The Nutcracker’s 10th Anniversary!
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker® celebrates its 10th anniversary at PNB this year! The Northwest’s favorite holiday tradition, this ballet has been delighting balletomanes and first-time showgoers for a decade. Celebrate with us by diving deep into the production with 10 fun facts!
Dancer Promotions! Christopher D’Ariano, Clara Ruf Maldonado, Mark Cuddihee, Ashton Edwards, Juliet Prine, and Yuki Takahashi
Following the opening night world premiere performance of AfterTime in Pacific Northwest Ballet’s current mixed rep program, PNB Artistic Director Peter Boal announced the promotion of four corps de ballet dancers to the rank of soloist, and two soloists being elevated to principal dancers. Read all about it here!
PNB School Faculty Spotlight: James Yoichi Moore
Today on the PNB Blog, we are featuring James Yoichi Moore, who returns to PNB as a PNB School faculty member! A former PNB Principal dancer, Mr. Moore brings a wealth of expertise to our students. Click here to learn more about James Yoichi Moore’s career, his advice to students, and more!
Backstage Nutcracker Magic: Photo Essay
You've seen it onstage, but have you ever wondered what The Nutcracker looks like from backstage? Get an insider peek in this photo essay!
The Truth About Conditioning and Cross-Training for Dancers
"When approached correctly, cross-training can unlock strength, control, and technical gains that dance training alone can’t always provide. But with so many programs and voices out there, it’s crucial to work with professionals who understand both dance and developmental needs..."
The Man Behind the Music: Philip Glass
Meet the man behind the music of In The Upper Room - Philip Glass. An enigmatic composer and performer, Glass has had an extraordinary impact on the musical and intellectual life of his time. Read more about his unique career (including his interest in composing for dance) here on the PNB Blog!
What to Wear to The Nutcracker
Planning your trip to The Nutcracker? Get tips and inspiration for what to wear to this magical performance at Pacific Northwest Ballet!