“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 […]
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 — […]
The active use of imagination and dreaming of what might be possible without limits should never be underestimated as forces for youthful creativity. We at PNB take a lot of pride in our youth, and in our future, which is why we are continuing to provide teens around the Seattle area with a […]
I have an insatiable need for speed as both a dancer and a choreographer! I‘m not quite sure when it began, but for me the faster it can be the more exciting. Much of the work that the audiences here in Seattle have seen from me has a vitality and fervor that is […]
PNB: Your company in Montreal is called RUBBERBANDance Group. Where did that name come from?
VQ: Partly an identity of a time back when I was in Los Angeles dancing in ciphers, in underground hip-hop spots. That’s part of it. And then […]
POLYPHONIA©
Music: György Ligeti (Desordre from Études pour piano, premier livre, 1985; Arc-en-ciel from Études pour piano, premier livre, 1985; No. 4 Tempo di Valse from Musica Ricercata, 1951-53; Invention, 1948; No. […]
“In the past twenty years, only one ballet choreographer has emerged whose work has set off widespread, international excitement: Christopher Wheeldon.” —The New Yorker
“Wheeldon [is] regarded as one of the hottest classical choreographers of his generation…His work has a uniquely transatlantic quality: romantic and unsettling, lush and cerebral, modern […]
The Seattle Times recently named Alexei Ratmansky "one of the hottest balletmakers around". Seattle audiences have the opportunity to hear the Concerto DSCH choreographer speak about his work before dress rehearsal for CONTEMPORARY 4.