PNB Blog
Roméo et Juliette Character Guide
In Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette, we see the story from Friar Laurence’s perspective. This adaptation focuses on the characters and their powerful emotions. Click here to familiarize yourself with the key characters in this ballet!
The Impact of Institutional Giving
Krishna Washburn, artistic director for Dark Room Ballet, the co-director of Telephone, blind teacher of audio description for dance, and activist, explains the reason why audio description for dance performance is so important.
Choreographer’s Notebook: Crystal Pite on Creating Emergence
Crystal Pite drew on a fascinating combination of inspiration for Emergence, including the structure of a ballet company, insects, and more. Learn more about her creative process for this piece in her own words.
Which Jerome Robbins Ballet are You?
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!
Artistic Director’s Notebook: Dawn Patrol, Afternoon of a Faun, Mopey, and Emergence
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.
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..."