Pacific Northwest Ballet’s last performances of the season will play out onstage in the show “Worlds to Come” this weekend. The performance is getting rave reviews and is an excellent parent-kid date night option for a dance-loving tween or teen.
Curtains drop this weekend on 50th anniversary season
“Worlds to Come” runs through June 11 and pulls down the curtain on PNB’s 50th anniversary season. The line-up included a mix of new dance works and the favorite family classics, Giselle, Snow White (PNB School), and Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The showcase includes three works: the world premiere of “Khepri,” choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and inspired by the mystical powers of Scarabs (brightly colored beetles revered by many throughout history and worth a Google search); the world premiere of PNB’s new Associate Art Director Kiyon Ross’s “…throes of increasing wonder,”and the performance world premiere of “The Veil Between Worlds” by choreographer Edwaard Liang inspired by the intersections between people and how they can facilitate stronger understanding.
“‘Choreographers of our time’ would seem to be an overused and odd phrase. However, when I consider works by Edwaard Liang, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, and Kiyon Ross, the words seem to fit,” said PNB Artistic Director Peter Boal in a release. “Edwaard uses the language of dance to explore themes of connection and distance between people. Dance becomes a lens through which we contemplate the elimination of barriers while discovering unexpected points of connection.”
Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancers Leta Biasucci and Jonathan Batista in the stage premiere of Edwaard Liang’s The Veil Between Worlds. Photo © Angela Sterling.
Ticket information
There are four more opportunities to catch “World to Come” at Marion Oliver McCaw Hall in Seattle Center: June 8, June 9, June 10 at 7:30 p.m., and June 11 at 1 p.m. The program will also stream digitally from June 15 through 19. Tickets start at $37, with discounts for children 14-and-under. Teens 13 to 19 are eligible for $5 tickets through TeenTix. Check the ballet’s website to learn how to utilize TeenTix at PNB.
Students, seniors (patrons 65+), school employees, people employed in the arts and culture sectors, and government or military employees can purchase half-price PNB rush tickets on the day of a show by calling or visiting the Phelps Center or McCaw Hall Box Office. Tickets for digital access are $35. For tickets and additional information, contact the PNB Box Office at 206.441.2424, in person at 301 Mercer Street, or online 24/7 at PNB.org.
Pacific Northwest Ballet School Performance. Photo courtesy PNB.
PNB School end of year performance
Make it a day of great dance on Jun 17. During each of two performances, students from Pacific Northwest Ballet School classes will perform original works by the school’s faculty and the school’s professional division students will premiere a new work by PNB company dancer Amanda Morgan as well as dance George Balanchine’s classic work, ‘Serenade.’ Music for ‘Serenade’ will be played by members of the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Juan Felipe Molano. Tickets start at $37, with discounts for children 14-and-under. Performances start at 12:30 and 6 p.m.
The line-up for season 51
The ballet’s 2023-24 season has been announced and includes several classic productions that young audience members would enjoy, including:
Harold and the Purple Crayon: Bring the whole family and watch Harold draw and dance through a landscape full of wonder and excitement. This hour-long, narrated production features performances by PNB School students and is the perfect introduction to ballet for any young patron.
Coppelia: When a silent beauty appears on the balcony of toymaker Doctor Coppelius’ workshop, it spells trouble for sweethearts Swanilda and Franz. He is smitten, and she is determined to confront her rival and win back her beau. With spirited mime, bravura dancing, and a melodic score, Coppélia is one of ballet’s greatest comedies and perfect for all ages.
Swan Lake: Kent Stowell’s Swan Lake is wondrous and ethereal work for viewers, young and old. This ballet classic will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It includes epic dancing, stunning scenery and costumes, and an iconic score — a classic tale of good versus evil, temptation, tragedy, and love of the highest order.
And, of course, PNB’s beloved production of The Nutcracker will return to the stage for the 2024 holiday season.
Tickets for the 2023-24 PNB season go on sale in July.
Pacific Northwest Ballet corps de ballet dancer Yuki Takahashi in the world premiere of Kiyon Ross’s ” …throes of increasing wonder.” Photo © Angela Sterling.
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