“I was always bossy,” says Andrew Bartee, though you’d never know it from his modest, playful persona. The oldest of four kids, he “always had an urge to put something on—plays, variety or talent shows, gymnastic routines.” His first experience of choreographing was in a class at Kirkland’s International School of Ballet, where he “liked […]
by Sarah Ricard Orza
When Kent Stowell and Francia Russell offered principal dancer Paul Gibson the position of Assistant Ballet Master during their last year as artistic directors of Pacific Northwest Ballet, Paul’s answer was a no-brainer. A self-motivator and perfectionist from a young age, he was well aware that […]
Pacific Northwest Ballet:
Opening Night in New York City
Sarah Orza
My husband Seth Orza and I are expecting our first child, a baby girl, in May. So, on Wednesday night, as PNB returned to New York’s City Center for the first time since 1996, I had the opportunity to watch my […]
My Creative Process
I recently had the realization that I have been working on my piece for ALL PREMIERE for almost a year. I wish that I had realized sooner what a luxury that amount of time was. Not that I misused the time I had, but as opening night draws nearer I’m caring even more about developing […]
Let’s talk a little about your creative process. What is the impetus for this work?
My inspiration for this piece is the recent passing of a family friend. It started as a story ballet of sorts, with a clear narrative element. As I choreographed it became a healing process — […]
When did you start dancing?
I started dancing just after I turned 9.
Why ballet?
The reason I chose Pacific Northwest Ballet is because I want to be able to do all kinds of dance, ballet certainly, but also modern and contemporary, and PNB has a nice mix. I love […]
When did you start dancing?
I started dancing at the age of 4.
Why ballet?
When I started dancing, I did all types of dance from modern, lyrical, jazz, tap, and ballet. But from all of them I enjoyed and loved ballet the most, so at 12 years old […]