Pacific Northwest Ballet is revered as one of the foremost ballet companies in the country. Founded in 1972 in Seattle, Washington, the company has been wowing audiences with their incredible live performances for almost 50 years. Known for their stunning choreography, beautiful music, and talented dancers, Pacific Northwest Ballet has become a staple of the Seattle arts scene. One of the key factors that make the company so beloved is its choice of music for their live performances. Let's take a closer look at some of Pacific Northwest Ballet's most popular live songs.

The Nutcracker is perhaps the most well-known ballet piece in the world, and Pacific Northwest Ballet has been performing it for over 30 years. The music for The Nutcracker was composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and it has become synonymous with the holiday season. The score for The Nutcracker is full of lively and enchanting pieces, such as the famous "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" and "Waltz of the Flowers." Pacific Northwest Ballet's production of The Nutcracker is one of the most beloved performances in Seattle, and tickets to this show sell out quickly every year.

Another iconic piece that Pacific Northwest Ballet is known for is Swan Lake. The music for Swan Lake was also composed by Tchaikovsky, and it tells the story of a prince who falls in love with a beautiful princess who has been cursed by an evil sorcerer. The famous "Dance of the Swans" is one of the most recognizable pieces in classical music, and Pacific Northwest Ballet's version of Swan Lake is a must-see for any fan of ballet.

In addition to the classics, Pacific Northwest Ballet also performs contemporary pieces that are set to modern music. One of the most popular contemporary pieces that the company performs is Crystal Pite's Emergence, which is set to music by Owen Belton. Emergence tells the story of a colony of insects that are coming to life, and the music is a mix of electronic beats and percussion. The combination of the modern music and the intricate choreography makes for an unforgettable performance.

Another contemporary piece that Pacific Northwest Ballet is known for is Alejandro Cerrudo's Little mortal jump, which is set to music by Philip Glass. Little mortal jump features a group of dancers who move in unison to Glass's atmospheric score. The piece has been described as mesmerizing and haunting, and it's a testament to Pacific Northwest Ballet's commitment to showcasing innovative and exciting work.

Overall, Pacific Northwest Ballet is known for its incredible live performances and its carefully curated selection of music. Whether you're a fan of the classics or contemporary work, there is something for everyone at a Pacific Northwest Ballet performance. If you're interested in seeing the company live, be sure to grab your tickets early, as they often sell out well in advance. With such an incredible lineup of music and dancers, Pacific Northwest Ballet is a must-see for anyone who loves the arts.

Pacific Northwest Ballet History

Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) is one of the leading ballet companies in the United States. Founded in 1972, the company has been dedicated to promoting excellence in dance through its performances, educational programs, and outreach efforts.

PNB has a long and storied history. The company was founded by Francia Russell and Kent Stowell, two renowned dancers who had previously worked with the New York City Ballet. They were determined to create a company that would showcase the works of the great choreographers of the past, while also nurturing new talent and pushing the boundaries of what was possible in ballet.

In its early years, PNB was a small, regional company that performed primarily in the Pacific Northwest. But it quickly gained a reputation for excellence, and soon began collaborating with other major ballet companies around the world. Over the years, PNB has worked with many of the most famous choreographers in the field, including George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and William Forsythe.

One of the things that sets PNB apart from other ballet companies is its commitment to innovation and experimentation. While many ballet companies stick to traditional classics like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, PNB has always been willing to take risks and try new things. In recent years, the company has been at the forefront of the contemporary ballet movement, commissioning new works from some of today's most exciting choreographers.

All of this has helped PNB become one of the most popular ballet companies in the world. Its performances are renowned for their beauty, technical excellence, and emotional depth. Whether you're a lifelong fan of ballet or a newcomer to the art form, a PNB performance is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Getting tickets to a PNB performance can be challenging, especially during the holiday season when The Nutcracker is traditionally performed. However, there are a number of strategies you can use to increase your chances of getting tickets.

The first step is to plan ahead. PNB tickets typically go on sale several months before the performance date, so you'll want to mark your calendar accordingly. If you're particularly interested in seeing The Nutcracker, you'll want to start looking for tickets as early as possible, as these performances tend to sell out quickly.

Another strategy is to be flexible with your dates. If you're willing to attend a weekday performance or a matinee, you may have a better chance of getting tickets than if you're only available on weekends or in the evenings. You can also try checking back periodically to see if any new tickets have become available.

If you're really committed to seeing a PNB performance, you may also want to consider becoming a subscriber. Subscribers typically get access to the best seats at the best prices, and they often get first dibs on tickets before they go on sale to the general public.

Of course, getting tickets is only part of the equation. Once you're at the theater, you'll want to make the most of your experience. This means arriving early to give yourself plenty of time to find your seat, explore the venue, and soak in the atmosphere. You'll also want to dress appropriately for the occasion, as ballet performances are generally formal affairs.

Finally, don't be afraid to get caught up in the moment. Ballet is a powerful art form, and there's nothing quite like experiencing a live performance in person. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported to another world by the magic of Pacific Northwest Ballet.