As PNB celebrates our 50th anniversary season, we are looking back to our past. In the 1990's, finally established as a prestigious dance company, PNB focused on engaging with the local Seattle community and touring to New York, Melbourne, and more.
Do you have talents or passions outside of dance? I'm a big NY sports fan, which has not been easy over the past decade. Really hoping the Yankees can win their 28th World Series title while we at PNB celebrate our 50th anniversary. If the Yankees come up short again, go Mariners I guess…
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? No matter where you are, you are exactly where you need to be.
Do you have talents or passions outside of dance? My passions outside of dancing including woodworking, metal working, playing music, fishing, hiking, and working on my classic cars.
What inspires you outside of the studio? Inside and out of the studio, I am always inspired by my family. My wife Emma (former PNB dancer), our son Milo, and our 12 year old dog O.P. are always surprising me and keeping me on my toes.
Do you have talents or passions outside of dance? Acting and karate (Kenpo) are two of my favorites. I find they’re helpful in dance as well. Acting helps with the storytelling we convey in ballets. The moves I learn in karate often feel like picking up combinations in class.
There’s something about George Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. With fairies, fireflies, Bottom, and Puck, playwright William Shakespeare and choreographer George Balanchine offer us a winning combination of joy, laughter, and ebullience.
What is one role that holds special significance for you? The role Friar Laurence in Romeo et Juliet is a role that I have cherished exploring. It is a character that demands a full emotional buy-in on top of the ballet technique.
Celebrating 38 years of A Midsummer Night's Dream at Pacific Northwest Ballet
Do you have talents of passions outside of dance? Chess is really fun. Our rehearsal director, Otto, is ridiculously good at chess, and he beats me all the time!