The Impact of PNB’s New Works Initiative on Stage this November

By Adam Tuero, Senior Major Gifts Officer

Pacific Northwest Ballet’s New Works Initiative has been an essential part of realizing the Company’s artistic vision since the 2005/2006 season, when Peter Boal became Artistic Director. For two decades new works have kept PNB at the cutting edge of ballet. Under Peter’s leadership, the New Works Initiative has facilitated the creation and acquisition of over 150 new works.

New works draw national attention, attract artists, audiences, and critics, while offering career-defining opportunities to choreographers, designers, and dancers. The impact of this initiative is on full display during Rep 2 of the season, IN THE UPPER ROOM, opening November 7th and running through November 16th.

PNB New Works Initiative as Creation.

The New Works Initiative allows PNB artists to collaborate and create world premieres with today’s most in-demand and sought-after choreographers. Featured in Rep 2, The Window by choreographer Dani Rowe is an example of a new work created for PNB. The Window debuted in 2023 with PNB dancers Elizabeth Murphy, Melisa Guilliams, and James Kirby Rogers navigating the emotionally complex characters of the ballet, inspired by a true story.

“Ballet is not only The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, but also new productions that speak to a changing world and an ever-changing dancer. From a dancer’s perspective, there is nothing like a New Work to really push you to the next level.” – Ezra Thomson, former PNB dancer and current PNB Rehearsal Director.

PNB New Works Initiative as Addition.

The New Works Initiative also enables PNB to add exciting productions to its repertoire, thereby increasing the range and artistic challenges for PNB dancers. Rep 2 is headlined by In the Upper Room, choreographed by Twyla Tharp, and is an example of a new work added to PNB’s repertoire. Peter hails Tharp as a pioneering artist and has brought eight of her works to the PNB stage.

I put great value on building collections of works by choreographers. I have consciously amassed a repertory of works by Alejandro Cerrudo, Ulysses Dove, Jiri Kylian, Jessica Lang, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Justin Peck, Crystal Pite, Alexei Ratmansky, Jerome Robbins, and Christopher Wheeldon, among many others.” – Peter Boal, Artistic Director.

PNB New Works Initiative as World Premieres.

The third ballet that rounds out Rep 2 is a world premiere from PNB dancers and choreographers Christopher D’Ariano and Amanda Morgan titled Aftertime. As is the case with every new work at PNB, Aftertime is rooted in creative partnerships and collaborations. Stay tuned to the PNB Blog for an upcoming post from D’Ariano and Morgan themselves detailing what to expect from their latest new work.

Supporting and Seeing the New Works Initiative.

New works at PNB are only possible through generous donations from individuals. Gifts to the New Works Initiative cover costs for choreographers, lighting, costume and scenic designers, music, and other related expenses. Help support this vital part of PNB’s artistic vision with a donation; click here to donate today!

To see these former new works, In the Upper Room and The Window, along with the freshest PNB new work, Aftertime, purchase tickets here.