Meet the “Cac-tet” of Alexander Ekman’s Cacti
Written by Emma Love Suddarth Emma danced with PNB from 2008-2021. Her writing appears in Pointe and Dance Magazine, as well as for PNB. A handful of small, poky, green cacti. 16 boxes, lying flat or intricately stacked. Light rails dropping to precariously low heights above the dancers. The overpowering sounds of dancers smacking boxes, slapping their chests, […]
Artistic Director’s Notebook: Petite Mort, Sechs Tänze, Cacti
Dear Friends, George Balanchine’s influence over ballet in America is unmatched. One could trace the origins of his reach to New York City where he established the company he helmed for 35 years. With Balanchine’s encouragement, dancers from New York City Ballet went on to found or shape regional companies from San Francisco to Harlem, and […]
Artistic Director’s Notebook: The Veil Between Worlds, Khepri, …throes of increasing wonder
Dear Friends, Turning 50 never felt so good. PNB’s celebratory season has brought us so many treasured moments, with a few more just around the corner. What is your 50th anniversary highlight? It might be the monumental first sounds of Carmina Burana, the awe of Crystal Pite’s ode to nature in The Seasons’ Canon, Giselle’s mad scene, Puck’s zany […]
Q&A with Corps Member Ashton Edwards
Get to know PNB corps de ballet dancer Ashton Edwards in this Q&A about his journey to Pacific Northwest Ballet and life as a company dancer.
The Man Behind the Music of Midsummer: Felix Mendelssohn
Discover Felix Mendelssohn’s life and the iconic score he composed at just 17 for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, performed live by the PNB Orchestra.
Ezra Thomson on Why New Works Matter
Former PNB dancer Ezra Thomson reflects on the importance of new choreographic works and how they shape a ballet company’s artistic identity and growth.
Building a World Premiere with Jessica Lang
Go behind the scenes as Jessica Lang creates a world premiere for PNB. Learn about her collaborative process and artistic vision in this in-depth Q&A.
Q&A with Penny Saunders: Returning to PNB and to Wonderland
Choreographer Penny Saunders discusses returning to PNB to restage Wonderland, her creative process, and what audiences can expect from the revival.
10 Fast Facts About Giselle’s Costumes
Discover fascinating details about the costumes in PNB’s production of Giselle, from romantic-era tutus to the ethereal designs of the ghostly Wilis.
The Story of Giselle
Read the full story of Giselle, the classic romantic ballet about a peasant girl’s love, betrayal, and redemption beyond the grave at Pacific Northwest Ballet.