PNB Blog
Swan Lake: A Pop Culture Darling
Over the last century, Swan Lake has become a quintessential ballet pop culture reference. Its iconic score, choreography, and costumes are synonymous with ballet performance and easily recognizable to anyone with even a casual ballet knowledge. While the 2010 film Black Swan may be the first to spring to mind, there are many examples from the last 100 years. Check out this blog to watch just a few!
Swan Lake Programs Through the Years
When Swan Lake premiered at Pacific Northwest Ballet in 1981, PNB was a small, relatively unknown company. Over 40 years later, Kent Stowell's Swan Lake has been enjoyed by thousands of audience members and is still a PNB favorite. Take a look at PNB's 14 Swan Lake programs through the years, and let us know which one is your number one pick!
Learn about Swan Lake Costume Designer Paul Tazewell
Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, costume designer Paul Tazewell was interested in theater and performance as early as second grade. Now, he's at the top of his career with Tony and Emmy awards. Paul designed the costumes for Hamilton, West Side Story, and PNB's very own Swan Lake! Read more about him and his process here.
Pointe Shoe: Ballet’s Beloved Illusion
Ballet has become synonymous with the pointe shoe—every time a little one dreams of spinning around on a massive stage under glowing lights dressed in a sparkling tutu, their feet are clad in such shoes. PNB's Artistic Director, Peter Boal, says “to be honest, I don’t know where PNB would be without the pointe shoe…. [E]verything balances on the pointe shoe.” Read on to learn more about this fundamental tool of ballet dancers and what PNB dancers have to say about their relationship with pointe shoes!
Nutcracker Grow Ups!
Performing in The Nutcracker is a rite of passage for many young dancers and something they look forward to each December. From Polichinelles to Party Children, see how Pacific Northwest Ballet Company dancers began their lifelong journey of dancing in The Nutcracker!
The Man Behind the Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
George Balanchine once said that Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's music made him fall in love with ballet, and many ballet lovers echo Balanchine’s sentiment. To this day, some of PNB’s most popular ballets (Swan Lake and The Nutcracker) are set to Tchaikovsky’s music. Read on to learn about Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s turbulent life and his iconic ballets!
Summer Courses – Diving in with Eyes, Ears, and Mind Wide Open
Summer courses. They are such a necessary element in the journey of a ballet dancer, but it can be daunting to know where to start, what to look for, and how to approach them. Here are a few thoughts from former PNB dancer Emma Love Suddarth to equip you with the tools and as the knowledge you need to succeed.
Nutcracker Costumes Close-Up Game
Each Nutcracker costume is full of delicious details! Some ballet fans might feel they know this holiday classic like the back of their hand. Well, today on the blog, we're here to test that knowledge! Can you identify these seven Nutcracker costumes by their close-up photos?
What to Know About Sensory-Friendly Performances
A sensory-friendly performance provides a welcoming and supportive environment for people with sensory processing challenges to enjoy live ballet with their friends and family. Have questions about PNB’s sensory-friendly performance? We’re here to help! Read on to learn about what a sensory-friendly performance is, what to expect at the shows, and more.