PNB Blog
Executive Director’s Notes: Coppélia
Welcome to Coppélia, PNB’s final repertory program of the 2023/24 season. It’s been several years since we last presented the luminous, lighthearted world of Coppélia, and it’s a joy to bring this beautiful production back to life. If you joined us for our most recent two programs, you may find it hard to believe that the company of classical dancers onstage before you could possibly be the same group of artists who so totally committed to the contemporary choreography of Crystal Pite, Alejandro Cerrudo, Matthew Neenan, Twyla Tharp, and Jessica Lang in March and April.
Artistic Director’s Notebook: Coppélia
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 same effect on you as it did on me all those years ago.
PNB AANHPI Heritage Month Profiles
In honor of AANHPI Heritage Month, PNB asked individuals celebrating this month to share their stories. Read more about PNB Director of Access Programs Naomi Glass, PNB Violinist and Concertmaster Michael Jinsoo Lim, and PNB Lighting Designer/Coordinator Reed Nakayama and what AANHPI Heritage Month means to them.
Meet the 2024 NEXT STEP Artist: Lily Wills
NEXT STEP provides opportunity, infrastructure, and support to grow tomorrow’s choreographic talent while providing a unique performance opportunity for PNB School's Professional Division dancers. Learn more about this exciting step in Lily's creative journey in this blog!
Meet the 2024 NEXT STEP Artist: Noah Martzall
NEXT STEP provides opportunity, infrastructure, and support to grow tomorrow’s choreographic talent while providing a unique performance opportunity for PNB School's Professional Division dancers. Learn more about this exciting step in Noah's creative journey in this blog!
Meet the 2024 NEXT STEP Artists: Elle Macy/Dylan Wald
NEXT STEP provides opportunity, infrastructure, and support to grow tomorrow’s choreographic talent while providing a unique performance opportunity for PNB School's Professional Division dancers. Learn more about this exciting step in Elle Macy and Dylan Wald's creative journey below.
Meet the 2024 NEXT STEP Artist: Melisa Guilliams
NEXT STEP provides opportunity, infrastructure, and support to grow tomorrow’s choreographic talent while providing a unique performance opportunity for PNB School's Professional Division dancers. Learn more about this exciting step in Melisa's creative journey in this blog!
Celebrating Retiring Rehearsal Director Otto Neubert
Coppélia marks the final performances staged by PNB Rehearsal Director Otto Neubert, who will be retiring at the end of the season. Mr. Neubert joined Pacific Northwest Ballet in 1992 and has assisted PNB’s artistic directors in rehearsing teaching, and scheduling the Company, as well as rehearsing countless PNB School students in their roles for George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® and other productions. He has also performed in PNB’s The Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote and Swan Lake. Learn more about Otto and his impactful career at PNB in this blog!
Everything You Need to Know About Attending the Ballet with Kids
Bringing children to the ballet for the first time can be intimidating. Today on the PNB blog, we’re walking through the experience of attending a show with kids, from picking a performance to enjoying intermission together. For each step along the way, we’ve got a tip or two to help you experience the magic of ballet with a special little one in your life!