The Story of Cinderella
As the curtain rises, Cinderella is daydreaming about a happier life. Her fantasy is interrupted by her stepmother and stepsisters, who are busy getting ready for the Prince’s Ball that evening. All three treat Cinderella like a servant and force her to work day and night. Somehow, Cinderella remains cheerful and helpful to everyone. Suddenly, […]
10 Fun Facts for The Nutcracker’s 10th Anniversary!
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® celebrates its 10th anniversary at PNB this year! The Northwest’s favorite holiday tradition, this ballet has been delighting balletomanes and first-time showgoers for a decade. Celebrate with us by diving deep into the production with 10 fun facts! 1. The approximate number of Nutcracker performances a founding member of the PNB Orchestra could have […]
What to Wear to The Nutcracker
As you plan your visit to McCaw Hall this holiday season, you might be wondering, “What should I wear to The Nutcracker?” At Pacific Northwest Ballet, you’ll see people in a variety of outfits, from fabulous gowns to casual pants and sneakers. We encourage you to wear what makes you feel the most confident and […]
Jewels Inspired Playlist
Check out this Jewels-inspired playlist, featuring all things gems, glitter, and sparkle! George Balanchine’s Jewels was created in 1967 after an inspiring visit to Van Cleef and Arpels. With glittering scenic and costume design by Jérôme Kaplan and stunning Balanchine choreography, Jewels brings its namesake to life onstage. What song would be on your Jewels […]
What to Watch for: Jewels
Jewels, a trio of works by ballet great George Balanchine, is a perfect beginner ballet. Each piece on the program highlights a different school of dance, showing the breadth and depth of Balanchine’s choreography and the art form itself. Whether you’re preparing for your first time seeing Jewels, or your 50th, here’s what to watch […]
What Nutcracker Character Are You? Quiz
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® is full of magical characters we all know and love! But if you were in The Nutcracker, which character would you be? Take this quick quiz to find out! A. He’s a literal backstabber! B. He’s a bit fragile, but has a good heart. C. He’s a hero and a gentleman! […]
Jérôme Kaplan at PNB
Costume and set designer Jérôme Kaplan is internationally renowned and a PNB favorite. The 2025/26 Season features his stunning designs in two ballets, Jewels and Giselle. Read on to learn more about Kaplan and his work at PNB! Jérôme Kaplan was born in Paris, France in 1964. As a child, Kaplan loved to create imaginary cities and places […]
A Sensory Prelude to a Larger Mexican Tale | Kyle Davis & Sarah-Gabrielle Ryan NEXT STEP 2025
By Leah Terada Ballet has always been more than movement; it is memory, mood, metaphor. But in Pas de Deux from an Unnamed Story, choreographers Sarah-Gabrielle Ryan and Kyle Davis invite audiences to go even further. They ask us to taste and smell, to feel, and to remember. Set in 1800s Veracruz, Mexico, this duet, premiering June 13th as part […]
Which Jerome Robbins Ballet are You?
PNB’s current program, EMERGENCE, features Jerome Robbins’ iconic ballet Afternoon of a Faun. PNB has several of Robbins’ ballets in our repertoire. Today, we’ve picked three of our favorites for a short quiz: Afternoon of a Faun, Dances at a Gathering, and Fancy Free. If you were a Jerome Robbins ballet, which of these would […]
5 Reasons Why Roméo et Juliette is a Must-See
Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette is a beautiful retelling of the classic story. The power of the Shakespeare play is only made more poignant through the power of dance and live music, as young love blooms, grows, and overwhelms before your eyes. Keep reading to learn why this ballet is a must-see. In Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette, […]