The gems in Jewels pay tribute to three golden ages of dance and also to the beauty of the ballerinas Balanchine adored. Poetic and flowing, Emeralds evokes France, the birthplace of Romantic dance. Its ballerinas drift on stage in clouds of tulle, whispering of elegance, fashion and fragrance. Rubies mirrors the carefree spontaneity of America, a throwback to the musical comedies and films Balanchine created soon after he arrived in his beloved adopted country: a sassy, jazzy burst of sunshine. Diamonds dazzles as Balanchine's tribute to the work of Marius Petipa and evokes the grandeur and precision of the Imperial Ballet of St. Petersburg with each shimmering wave of classical elegance.
Emeralds Music: Gabriel Fauré
Choreography: George Balanchine
Rubies Music: Igor Stravinsky
Choreography: George Balanchine
Diamonds Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Choreography: George Balanchine
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Pacific Northwest Ballet performs George Balanchine's JEWELS.
Louise Nadeau, Principal Dancer, on PNB, Jewels and Violette Verdy
Jonathan Porretta about the principal male role in Rubies.
Call the PNB Box Office at 206-441-2424. (Hours: Mon–Fri 9am–6pm; Sat 10am–5pm; Closed Sun.)
Visit the PNB Box Office, 301 Mercer St, Seattle
(Hours: Mon–Fri 10am–6pm; Sat 10am–5pm; Closed Sun.)
Subscribe Today. Receive Jewels tickets as part of your 2008–2009 Season Subscription! As a subscriber, you will receive big savings on tickets and exclusive privileges, including free ticket exchanges, 20% off additional single tickets, and more.
GROUPS Groups of 10 or more can receive discounts of 20%. For more information please see our Group Tickets Page.
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Special Events & Offers:
UNDER 25 FRIDAYS Friday, January 30 & Friday, February 6, 7:30 pm
Under 25? Get 1 ticket for $15 or 2 for $25! For tickets call PNB's Box Office 206.441.2424 or visit 301 Mercer St. Under 25 Friday ticket offer is good Jan. 30 & Feb. 6 only. Subject to availability. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Each attendee must present valid I.D. upon ticket retrieval.
EMERALDS STUDIO REHEARSAL & CONVERSATION Thursday, January 15, 5:30–7:00 pm, The Phelps Center Join PNB for a studio rehearsal and conversation with ballet legends Violette Verdy and Mimi Paul, originators of the ballerina roles in George Balanchine's Emeralds, the first ballet in Balanchine's triptych, Jewels. Ms. Verdy and Ms. Paul will coach PNB dancers in their Emeralds roles and discuss their work with Balanchine and the creation of Jewels in 1967. Tickets & More Information
DAZZLE THE JEWEL IN YOUR LIFE WITH PNB AND PACIFIC PLACE! Pacific Place is all decked out in Emeralds, Rubies and Diamonds! Beginning January 15, visit Pacific Place and take in the gorgeous Jewels images featuring Louise Nadeau, Carla Korbes and Lindsi Dec gracing Downtown Seattle's top shopping destination. While you're there, look for details on shopping your way to free Jewels tickets!
Have a gem of a story to share? Enter to win a romantic Downtown Seattle weekend for you and the jewel in your life from PNB and Pacific Place. To enter, go to pacificplaceseattle.com beginning January 15 and submit your prize-winning jewelry story.
PNB $5 FRIDAYS Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, 6:00–7:00 pm, The Phelps Center Join us for an hour-long dance preview led by Artistic Director Peter Boal and featuring PNB dancers performing excerpts from George Balanchines Jewels™. PNB $5 Fridays offer an upbeat and up-close view of the Company preparing to put dance on stage. Tickets & More Information
CONVERSATIONS WITH PNB — FREE Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009, 2:00–3:00 pm An hour-long discussion about Jewels with PNB artists and guests in the casual atmosphere of the Elliott Bay Book Company reading room. Elliott Bay Bookstore, 101 S. Main Street, Seattle. More Information
BALLET PREVIEW — FREE Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009, 12:00–1:00 pm Join PNB for a free lunchtime preview lecture at the Central Seattle Public Library. Education Programs Manager Doug Fullington will offer insights about Jewels, complete with video excerpts. More Information
LECTURE SERIES & DRESS REHEARSAL Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009 Lecture 6:00–6:50 pm, Norcliffe Room, McCaw Hall
Dress Rehearsal 7:00–9:30 pm, McCaw Hall
Costume Shop Manager Larae Theige Hascall will discuss and display the work of legendary costume designer Barbara Karinska, including her designs for Jewels and many other Balanchine ballets. Attend the lecture only, or stay for the dress rehearsal. Tickets & More Information
George Balanchine's Jewels™ STUDENT MATINEE PNB's Informative "Eyes on Dance" Performance Friday, Jan. 30, 2009, 11:30 am, McCaw Hall Designed with students in mind, the one-hour EYES ON DANCE matinee is the perfect introduction to ballet and includes excerpts from Jewels, introductions by PNB Artistic Staff, open set changes, and live orchestra. Tickets & More Information
Pre-Performance Lectures—FREE
Join Education Programs Manager Doug Fullington for a 30-minute introduction to each performance, including discussions of choreography, music, history, design and the process of bringing ballet to the stage. One hour before performances (except Nutcracker), Nesholm Family Lecture Hall, McCaw Hall, Free Admission.
Post-Performance Q&A—FREE
After the show, skip the traffic and enjoy a post-performance Q&A with Artistic Director Peter Boal and PNB dancers. Immediately following each performance (except Nutcracker), Norcliffe Room, McCaw Hall, Free Admission.
