Pacific Northwest Ballet Joyfully Makes Its Comeback in Spokane | Arts & Culture

Pacific Northwest Ballet Returns to Spokane: A Dance of Variety and Connection

Sleeping Beauty is a timeless ballet staple for a reason. As someone who covered the arts in Seattle for a decade, witnessing the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s performances at McCaw Hall was always a treat. Under the artistic direction of former New York City Ballet principal dancer Peter Boal, PNB blends classic romanticism with invigorating new works.

While PNB rarely tours outside of Seattle, they will return to Gonzaga’s Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center for two performances of a five-dance program on Oct. 9 and 10. Before their return, we spoke with Boal to discuss the benefits of touring and the program’s highlights.

Benefits of Touring

INLANDER: What’s the benefit for you as an artistic director to tour out of town?

BOAL: We do close to 100 performances in Seattle every year, but we rarely travel. Touring allows us to connect with new audiences and share our work with those who haven’t seen PNB before. The dancers love it too; they had such a great time at Gonzaga two years ago.

The Connection with Audiences

Boal notes that performing in smaller venues creates a more intimate connection with the audience. The Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center offers an inspiring environment, which can significantly enhance the performers’ experience.

“Dancers would prefer to be closer to their audience… The applause feels just a little closer.”

A Diverse Dance Program

The program for Spokane will feature 25 dancers, showcasing PNB’s range. Boal planned a mix of uplifting and contemplative pieces:

1. Her Door to the Sky – A reflection on Georgia O’Keeffe’s landscapes, offering a cerebral yet visually stunning experience.
2. Red Angels – An energetic piece featuring electric violin and a high-energy vibe, celebrating its 20th anniversary.
3. Sleeping Beauty – A brief taste of PNB’s production, featuring new costumes designed by Paul Tazewell.
4. This Bitter Earth – A moody, newly choreographed piece set to debut in Spokane before being performed in Seattle.
5. ZigZag – A lively piece set to Tony Bennett’s music, bringing a joyful, dance-filled atmosphere.

Join the Pacific Northwest Ballet for an exciting evening on October 9 and 10 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available for $48-$80 at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center. For more details, visit Gonzaga’s website.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the artistry of PNB in an intimate setting!