PNB Blog
Meet Them Through the Music: PNB Violinist Tom Dziekonski’s Playlist
PNB is the home of so many artists: dancers, costumers, musicians, and more. Today on the PNB Blog, we're starting a new series where we highlight PNB Orchestra members through their musical taste. First up, founding PNB Orchestra member and violinist Tom Dziekonski! Click to read more about Tom while listening to some of his favorite tunes.
Back-to-School Season at PNB
It’s back-to-school season at PNB! This school year, PNB will provide many ways to experience dance, from our new audio-described performances to our Dance for PD classes. Click to read about our various offerings this fall.
Diving Deeper with New Works: A conversation with Resident Choreographer Jessica Lang
Pacific Northwest Ballet's New Works Initiative has been an important part of realizing the Company's artistic vision since 2005. Countless choreographers, including Donald Byrd, Edwaard Liang, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Robyn Mineko Williams, Justin Peck, Alexei Ratmansky, Christopher Wheeldon, and Twyla Tharp have created new ballets through this initiative. This season, after several successful creations for the company, Jessica Lang becomes PNB's newest Resident Choreographer for the next three seasons. Her work for the company has always been richly layered and deliciously complex. We sat down with Lang to discuss her residency and her new work.
Announcing New PNB Faculty Member Kurt Froman
Pacific Northwest Ballet School has announced that Kurt Froman has been hired to lead the School’s Men’s Division. An accomplished and highly respected teacher and mentor with dancing careers at New York City Ballet and on Broadway, Mr. Froman was the resident choreographer of the Broadway show Billy Elliot, The Musical, training and coaching the young actors in the title role. At PNB School, Mr. Froman will teach, support, and mentor the School’s male-identifying students, and serve as a liaison with students’ families.
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! The poignant piece’s creation process has been “quite the journey,” says Liang. Read on to dive deep into The Veil Between Worlds’ unique creation process!
Nutcracker Meme-able Moments
PNB's production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is the Northwest’s favorite festive tradition, featuring Tchaikovsky’s classic score, gorgeous costumes, intricate scenery, impressive performances, and so much more! Amidst all the sparkle and joy, we've found some silly, meme-worthy moments in the ballet. Check out this blog to swipe through different Nutcracker scenes and reveal their corresponding meme!
Q&A with Nancy Crowley, PNB’s New Family Matinee Rehearsal Director
PNB Faculty member Nancy Crowley starts a new role as PNB’s Family Matinee Rehearsal Director this fall! Nancy begins her position by directing PNB School students preparing to perform Beauty and the Beast in March. Read on to learn more about Nancy, her dance career, and her new position with PNB.
2024 Summer Course by the Numbers
Over the summer, PNB’s studios are full of dedicated young dance students here for our annual Summer Course. Today on the PNB Blog, we’re breaking down some fun numbers to see just how hard these students are working. Join us in celebrating them and all their achievements this summer!
Q&A with Jonathan Porretta, a New PNB Rehearsal Director
Jonathan Porretta has excelled at many different roles at PNB. He was a beloved principal dancer and performer in the company and an equally popular faculty member at PNB School. This season, he tackles a new role as a rehearsal director. Read on to learn Jonathan's favorite memories at PNB School, what he's most looking forward to in his new role, and more!