PNB Blog
Five Reasons Why Roméo et Juliette is a Must-See
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!
Celebrating Kabby Mitchell III
As a part of Black History Month 2025, Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) is celebrating Kabby Mitchel III, the first Black dancer at PNB. Mitchell danced with PNB from 1979 to 1984 and taught at PNB School. PNB Associate Artistic Director Kiyon Ross shares, "To speak his name is to speak of resilience, generosity, and an unshakable love for dance. To remember him is to remember a man who paved the way for so many, including me, with a grace and determination that transcended the stage."
Contemporizing a Classic
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.
Artistic Director’s Notebook: The Sleeping Beauty 2025
"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..."
Staging The Sleeping Beauty at PNB
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.
A Day in the Life of a Professional Division Student: Operating Puppets in The Sleeping Beauty
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!
Indigenous Design in The Sleeping Beauty
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!
10 Fast Facts about The Sleeping Beauty Costumes
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!
Meet Them Through the Music: PNB Music Director and Principal Conductor Emil de Cou’s Playlist
Meet Them Through the Music: PNB Music Director and Principal Conductor Emil de Cou's Playlist PNB is the home of so many [...]