Forty-two year old Canadian choreographer Crystal Pite is in Seattle this week. Her own company, Kidd Pivot, is already a favorite of On the Boards audiences. But, this time around, she’s in town to set her ballet Emergence on PNB dancers. Originally created for The National Ballet of Canada, this work has the whole Company talking, and it’s all good.
Here’s the buzz from the PNB studios: 

1. Generosity: “Crystal has stepped away from performing, but to see and hear her in the studio is a lesson in clarity and generosity” —Peter Boal, PNB Artistic Director  

2. Eloquence: “It is inspiring to work with someone who is so in-tune with their craft. For Pite, it seems like her creative life and intellectual life are almost inextricable. It’s such an engaging quality.”  — Elle Macy, PNB corps de ballet.

3. Positivity: “Crystal’s talent and intellect are accompanied with such respect for those working with her. In addition to creating extraordinary work, she creates a remarkably positive environment in the studio. Any dancer working with Crystal cannot help but feel inspired and challenged to dance better.” —Leta Biasucci, PNB corps de ballet.

Emergence choreographer Crystal Pite rehearses in PNB’s studios.

4. Energy:  “She’s humble and energetic and she shows the dancers so much respect….the energy she brings into the studio is so positive, it’s just contagious. She has this light about her that draws you in.” —Lindsi Dec, PNB soloist.

5. Sincerity: “I’ve never met someone as genuine as Crystal. She brings everything she is to the studio and makes you want to do the same. She inspires all of us to be the best we can be.” —Andrew Bartee, PNB corps de ballet.

PNB dancers Joshua Grant and Rachel Foster (front) rehearse Emergence with fellow Company dancers Margaret Mullin and William Lin-Yee.

Featured photo: Company dancers Joshua Grant and Rachel Foster rehearse for the PNB premiere of Crystal Pite’s Emergence. Photo: Lindsay Thomas.