PNB’s current program, EMERGENCE, features Jerome Robbins’ iconic ballet Afternoon of a Faun. PNB has several of Robbins’ ballets in our repertoire. Today, we’ve picked three of our favorites for a short quiz: Afternoon of a Faun, Dances at a Gathering, and Fancy Free. If you were a Jerome Robbins’ ballet, which of these would you be? Find out with this quick quiz!
When Crystal Pite suggested [Emergence] for PNB, she explained that her inspiration came from a book on ants, brains, cities, and software... On opening night in 2013, I wondered how audiences would react as a hot flood light interrupted endless silhouettes of writhing dancers, while the descending curtain signaled a statement made. After seconds of stunned silence, a deafening ovation filled the house. In that moment, we were united in wanting more of Crystal Pite’s singular brilliance. Great art has a way of unifying us and allowing us to see humanity in its most expressive, poignant, and powerful ways.
Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette is a beautiful retelling of the classic story. The power of the Shakespeare play is only made more poignant through the power of dance and live music, as young love blooms, grows, and overwhelms before your eyes. Click here to learn why this ballet is a must-see!
The Sleeping Beauty, as reimagined by PNB, meets original Marius Petipa choreography, Tlingit mythology and design, and a contemporary Pacific Northwest aura. PNB Company dancer Leah Terada meets with set designer Preston Singletary to explore the inner workings of the production.
PNB Principal dancer Kyle Davis reflects on past performances of The Sleeping Beauty and the new, world-premiere production.
"It is with great excitement that PNB presents our all-new production of The Sleeping Beauty. You may ask what’s “all-new” when the original Beauty premiered 135 years ago..."
Since its creation in 1890 in St. Petersburg, Russia, The Sleeping Beauty has been a pillar of the classical ballet repertory. Dance Historian and The Sleeping Beauty stager Doug Fullington explains some of the historic influences on PNB's world-premiere production, as well as the influences of collaboraters Preston Singletary and Paul Tazewell.
The Sleeping Beauty features some mischievous puppet characters designed by McArthur Fellowship recipient Basil Twist. We interviewed PNB School Professional Division student Cassidy Morris about her daily routine while prepping for The Sleeping Beauty – puppets and all!
The Sleeping Beauty scenic designer Preston Singletary has imbued the production with cultural and aesthetic elements of Indigenous Northwest Coast design. Tlingit scholar, writer, and artist Kariel Galbraith explains some of these Indigenous design elements in this informative article!
With 184 roles and 80 costume designs, The Sleeping Beauty is PNB’s largest production ever. Over 90 artisans, craftspeople, drapers, stitchers, first hands, dyers, and milliners have contributed to the costume build, including costume designer Paul Tazewell, who also designed costumes for Wicked, Hamilton, and PNB's Swan Lake. Click for more fast facts about this amazing production!