Spotlight on Square Dance – Balanchine’s Fusion of Ballet and American Folk Dance
Discover how George Balanchine fused classical ballet with American square dancing in Square Dance, blending folk patterns with virtuoso technique at PNB.
Interview with Salina Fisher, Composer for Black Wave
The premiere of Jessica Lang’s Black Wave was an exciting celebration of many “firsts.” Black Wave is the first work of Jessica Lang’s Choreographic Residency at PNB. Black Wave is also the first work in PNB’s repertory with music composed by award-winning artist Salina Fisher. In fact, this is Fisher’s first experience collaborating with a choreographer! Learn more about Salina Fisher and […]
The Inspiration for Black Wave; Notes from Choreographer Jessica Lang
Choreographer Jessica Lang is busy in PNB’s studios putting the finishing touches on Black Wave, her first work as PNB’s resident choreographer. Jessica’s work for PNB is both thought-provoking and emotionally moving, and Black Wave is no different. Keep scrolling to learn about Jessica’s unique inspirations for this piece. An important part of Black Wave’s inspiration is the Japanese artform kintsugi. Jessica explains, “The work is inspired by the philosophy of kintsugi, the Japanese art of rebuilding […]
Artistic Director’s Notebook: The Veil Between Worlds, The Times Are Racing, Black Wave
Peter Boal introduces PNB’s season opener featuring Edwaard Liang’s The Veil Between Worlds, Justin Peck’s The Times Are Racing, and Jessica Lang’s Black Wave.
Executive Director’s Notes: The Veil Between Worlds, The Times Are Racing, Black Wave Kind Regards,
Dear Friends, Welcome to the fall arts season in Seattle and PNB’s first repertory program of our performing year. We’re so thrilled to welcome Jessica Lang back to PNB to launch her work with us as resident choreographer. She is a phenomenal dance-maker and a truly wonderful person, and her rehearsals with our Company dancers regularly […]
Diving Deeper with New Works: A Conversation with Resident Choreographer Jessica Lang
Jessica Lang discusses her new role as PNB’s Resident Choreographer, her creative process for Black Wave, and PNB’s New Works Initiative in this Q&A.
From Screen to Stage – The Veil Between Worlds Creation Process
The Veil Between Worlds has a curious program note: “premiere June 10, 2021; Pacific Northwest Ballet (digital release).” This ballet was originally created, filmed, and shown during PNB’s 2020/21 Digital Season. Much like the inspiration for the work, The Veil Between Worlds has lived many lives; the piece has been performed on the screen and on the stage! Read on as we dive deep into The Veil Between Worlds unique creation process. Choreographer […]
Artistic Director’s Notebook: Coppélia
Dear Friends, Almost fifty years ago, I attended a New York City Ballet performance of George Balanchine’s Coppélia. Somewhere in the middle of the first act, I decided I wanted to dance. You know the rest of this story. Coppélia is all about the dancing, and the music, and the laughter, colors, costumes, and scenery. It may have the […]
Coppélia Story and Character Guide
Our story begins in a sunny square in the heart of Galicia. Colorful homes are decorated with whimsical painted tiles and wisteria. Swanilda lives on the edge of the town square and loves to meet her many friends there. Just around the corner is the home of Dr. Coppelius, who makes enchanting and very life-like […]
The Man Behind the Music: Léo Delibes
Composer Léo Delibes, perhaps best remembered for the ballet Coppélia, greatly impacted ballet music. Even iconic ballet composer Tchaikovsky admired his work. Read on to learn more about his life, his impact, and his ballet Coppélia! Léo Delibes was born on February 21, 1836, in northern France. Delibes was born into a musical family; his grandfather was a professional […]