Get to know the PNB dancers through the Q&A posts.
Here at PNB, we know that aspiring young dancers across the country are already auditioning for summer courses and hoping to get in to their top choice. So, we thought we’d ask our two new apprentices, Elle Macy and Jahna Frantziskonis, for some advice on how to make the most of your summer […]
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 […]
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 […]
There is a new tradition brewing around Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Phelps Center this time of year, and that is the beginning of the wonderful process of NEXT STEP. This distinctive performance where PNB Company dancers choreograph new works for our most advanced students in PNB School’s Professional Division is set for June 16, […]
Behind the Scenes: Don Quixote with Principal Dancer Maria Chapman
What role(s) are you learning for Don Quixote? Have you danced in other Don Quixote productions before?
This will be my first production of Don Quixote, and I am learning two roles; Mercedes and the Queen of […]
Q: How many orchestra members are in the PNB Orchestra?
A: It varies from program to program. For Don Quixote, we’ll have 62-64 musicians. It’s a pretty big symphony orchestra. When you come to the show, it’s always fun to come and look in {the pit} because there are a lot of people down […]
Q: How large is the production? In comparison to other ballets in our repertory?
There are about 300 costumes, but many of them are duplicates. [Dutch National Ballet] had more people on stage than we will. They also built a lot of extra costumes, some of which haven’t been worn yet. […]