“Ben Griffiths walked into my class as a shy 15-year-old with crystalline technique, clear musicality and a hunger to learn everything he could about ballet. I’ve had the unique pleasure of working with this extraordinary individual almost every day since our first encounter. I’ve also watched him become an inspiring artist and a quintessential role model. His unmatched work ethic and unwavering devotion to his craft never fail. Deservedly respected and admired by all, audiences have delighted in seeing Ben in so many memorable and enchanting performances. His sweet charm was on display in Jerome Robbins’ Fancy Free and George Balanchine’s Coppélia. Technical prowess marked his roles in William Forsythe’s Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude, Ulysses Dove’s Red Angelsand Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. His Sarabande in Agon seems cast by Balanchine himself. Ben is at heart one of the purest dancers I’ve ever seen and Balanchine’s Square Dance seemed tailor-made for him. The ballet reached new heights in Ben’s quietly beautiful performances. How lucky we have been to watch this great artist dance. He will be missed.”
Peter Boal
“The past 15 years that I have spent as member of the PNB family have been deeply fulfilling both professionally and personally. The vast range of the company’s repertoire has offered growth-inducing challenges at every turn. Not only do I feel privileged to have learned from Peter and performed many of the great roles that I saw him dance while a student at the School of American Ballet, but I had the opportunity to dance so many more that I only discovered once in Seattle. In addition to the memorable experiences on stage, PNB has also been the place where I met my husband, Jordan [former Company dancer Jordan Pacitti], beat cancer, and earned my bachelor’s degree from Seattle University, which was possible only with the help of PNB’s Second Stage program. I am incredibly grateful to the PNB audiences, staff, and dancers who have supported me in fulfilling my childhood dream and made all of this possible. Though I will miss this career terribly, I am excited to be heading to new adventures in New York City where Jordan will continue expanding his business, Jordan Samuel Skin, and I plan to pursue a career in arts administration, working to ensure a bright future for the next generation of ballet audiences and dance artists.”
