PNB Blog
Nutcracker Grow Ups!
Performing in The Nutcracker is a rite of passage for many young dancers and something they look forward to each December. From Polichinelles to Party Children, see how Pacific Northwest Ballet Company dancers began their lifelong journey of dancing in The Nutcracker!
The Man Behind the Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
George Balanchine once said that Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's music made him fall in love with ballet, and many ballet lovers echo Balanchine’s sentiment. To this day, some of PNB’s most popular ballets (Swan Lake and The Nutcracker) are set to Tchaikovsky’s music. Read on to learn about Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s turbulent life and his iconic ballets!
Summer Courses – Diving in with Eyes, Ears, and Mind Wide Open
Summer courses. They are such a necessary element in the journey of a ballet dancer, but it can be daunting to know where to start, what to look for, and how to approach them. Here are a few thoughts from former PNB dancer Emma Love Suddarth to equip you with the tools and as the knowledge you need to succeed.
Nutcracker Costumes Close-Up Game
Each Nutcracker costume is full of delicious details! Some ballet fans might feel they know this holiday classic like the back of their hand. Well, today on the blog, we're here to test that knowledge! Can you identify these seven Nutcracker costumes by their close-up photos?
What to Know About Sensory-Friendly Performances
A sensory-friendly performance provides a welcoming and supportive environment for people with sensory processing challenges to enjoy live ballet with their friends and family. Have questions about PNB’s sensory-friendly performance? We’re here to help! Read on to learn about what a sensory-friendly performance is, what to expect at the shows, and more.
Nutcracker by the Numbers: 12 Festive Facts about PNB’s Nutcracker Costumes
PNB’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® is an impressive feat of costume design. Ian Falconer and the rest of the creative team poured whimsy and cheer into every detail of the show, from the whiskers of the Mice to the jewels on Coffee’s crown. Dive into the details of PNB’s costumes for George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® with these 12 fascinating facts!
Nutcracker Character Guide
From the Mouse King to Marzipan, PNB’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® is full of characters that cheer and delight! If you're attending the show, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with these enchanting Nutcracker characters before you see them on stage. That way you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the performance without wondering who’s who. Read on to learn which Nutcracker character is which with this quick, helpful guide!
Executive Director’s Notes: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® 2023
On behalf of everyone at PNB, thank you for choosing to celebrate the season with us. Over the years we’ve heard from many in our audience about what this production means to you. It may mark the official start of your holidays, be the destination for a much anticipated annual outing with visiting family, or offer a nostalgic antidote to a too-busy time of year...
Artistic Director’s Notebook: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® 2023
Ask anyone what their introduction to ballet was – most will tell you it was a performance of The Nutcracker. They probably attended as small children. I was five. PNB expects to welcome about 85,000 people of all ages to our performances this year alone. Many will attend for the first time, starting a new tradition of enjoying this timeless holiday classic...