All Work and No Play

Makes Melody a dull girl! Last night I went to see George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. It was every bit as good as the hype. It was the magic that makes the holidays. 

Tchaikovsky’s cherished score played live by the PNB Orchestra, gorgeous scenery and costumes by celebrated author and illustrator Ian Falconer (Olivia the Pig), brilliant dancing by PNB’s incredible dancers, a snowfall every performance, and Seattle Center’s McCaw Hall all dressed up for the holidays. I enjoyed every minute!

The music and dancing were wonderful. The whole experience was a feast for the eyes! One of the most delightful parts was the children. This year there were 1000 kids in PNB classes 260 tried out 209 were chosen, including three Claras. There are two casts of children, they preform about 20 performances each.

Pacific Northwest Ballet, one of the largest and most highly regarded ballet companies in the United States, was founded in 1972. In July 2005, Peter Boal became artistic director, succeeding Kent Stowell and Francia Russell, artistic directors since 1977. The Company of nearly fifty dancers presents more than 100 performances each year of full-length and mixed repertory ballets at Marion Oliver McCaw Hall in Seattle and on tour. The Company has toured to Europe, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Canada, and throughout the United States, with celebrated appearances at Jacob’s Pillow and in New York City and Washington DC.