Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work with a dance legend like Twyla Tharp? PNB corps de ballet dancer Sarah Pasch recently had that opportunity and has all good things to say.
Judith May Austin: This piece, Waiting at the Station, is your first time working with Twyla?
Twyla Tharp arrived in Seattle last weekend and started working with the Company on her latest ballet, Waiting at the Station, first thing Monday morning. The work is set in New Orleans to a score by the legendary musician, and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Allen Toussaint. To be honest, the sounds and energy […]
“I was always bossy,” says Andrew Bartee, though you’d never know it from his modest, playful persona. The oldest of four kids, he “always had an urge to put something on—plays, variety or talent shows, gymnastic routines.” His first experience of choreographing was in a class at Kirkland’s International School of Ballet, where he “liked […]
by Sarah Ricard Orza
When Kent Stowell and Francia Russell offered principal dancer Paul Gibson the position of Assistant Ballet Master during their last year as artistic directors of Pacific Northwest Ballet, Paul’s answer was a no-brainer. A self-motivator and perfectionist from a young age, he was well aware that […]
My Creative Process
I recently had the realization that I have been working on my piece for ALL PREMIERE for almost a year. I wish that I had realized sooner what a luxury that amount of time was. Not that I misused the time I had, but as opening night draws nearer I’m caring even more about developing […]
Let’s talk a little about your creative process. What is the impetus for this work?
My inspiration for this piece is the recent passing of a family friend. It started as a story ballet of sorts, with a clear narrative element. As I choreographed it became a healing process — […]