PNB is an institution that makes it a joy to live in Seattle. A great company right here in our own little burgh. I've been going to performances for years and finally became a season ticket holder (highly recommended) two seasons ago. While of course they have to do shows that cater to the masses and fill their coffers (can you say 'Nutcracker'?) they still do some really amazing innovative stuff every season. Beyond the exquisite dance, every performance has very high production values - music, costumes, sets, lighting, ... it's always a beautiful thing. read more

I have been to a couple performances so far... nutcracker and Cendrillon. Have enjoyed both and have been mesmerized by the beauty of the theater. Right before the show starts, you can go and watch the orchestra practicing in the pit. There is a huge parking lot right next to the venue connected through a skybridge, very convenient for cold rainy winter night, specially given the fact that you have to dress up to go to ballet. It is relatively expensive though. Parking fare is $25, but you will spend around $250 or so for tickets for two, so it is just a bit extra. The bartender is a pro, not only they take your orders, but you can pre-order for intermission and avoid standing in line, just go and find your name on a card and your drink will be right next to it; very convenient. Nutcracker was ok, but not my favorite, at least the first half of the show, it was too slow and more of a story than a ballet performance, but the second half was spectacular. As for Cendrillon, i liked it and I didn't. I loved that it had more ballet than nutcracker, but I am not that big of a fan of contemporary ballet. I know they have jewel and swan lake next year and those two are right up my alley, so I will be back for those two performances. read more

Great outing for a chill Friday night. I'm notorious for getting drowsy at the ballet, but Cinderella kept me engaged. Costumes and lighting were a great highlight, along with the best acting I've seen from dancers in a while. Love those step sisters. Be aware that there will be families with small children present, so a little patience may be required when the kids get antsy. read more

I always love going to the ballet in Seattle. Beautiful. I'm not a huge fan of the modern building, I prefer old-fashioned theaters, but it's neat for what it is. I've seen the Nutcracker a bunch of times. It doesn't change much year to year, but it's fun. And we did an intermission thing where you go drink champagne and eat cakes at cute little tables. It is all so magical. read more

All right five stars might just be the remaining high from my first time at the ballet. From walking through the front door at McCaw Hall, we were in heaven. The reception area was nicely appointed, with refreshments available and plenty of room to mingle. We even loved the sound of the "bell" calling the audience to seat. We saw "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and I can't imagine a better choice for an introduction to live ballet. The music was fantastical (kudos to the orchestra). The sets were beautiful, and organic, and nearly told the story on their own. I could've sworn the trees were still growing. The costumes were also wonderful, with dresses that flowed perfectly along the movements of the dancers and of the music and story. The dancers! Oh my goodness. They were every bit as wonderful as We'd hoped, and then some. Oberon was authoritative and subtly powerful, Puck nigh stole the show with his antics and artfully playful capering. Bottom was hilarious. Titania was beautiful and magical, as was Hippolyta. Really, I could go on, probably listing everyone. Truly a wonderful experience, and my wife and I went from hesitant first-timers to avowed fans. We will absolutely be back to see further productions from this group. Bravo! read more

My fiance are enamored with the PNB. Going to the nutcracker was one of our first dates and we've been season ticket holders for 3 years now. The nutcracker is always a favorite but as donors, we also get the privilege of seeing other ballets. They often varigate them with storybased ballets and modern ballets; our favorites are usually story-based. Our favorite ballet outside of the nutcracker was probably Copelia, with the most recent Sleeping Beauty coming in close second! =) Also as donors, they invite us to see rehearsals and go backstage; it really makes us feel like part of the crew. During intermission, the donor lounge provides free wine and snacks. Overall, our experience there will mean we continue to purchase season tickets in the years to come. =) read more

We went to the matinee on 11 DEC 16 for my wife's birthday. Needless to say it was a total disappointment. We have gone to see this production along with others from PNB for the past 11 years and this show was lackluster at best! Timing was off with the dancers, the toy soldier performers were messing around in the glass window while Clara was running about in the scene. They were not supposed to be seen but we could see them from the front row. We could watch the folks dress backstage because the curtains were not placed correctly which was disappointing. The Sugar Plum Fairy had a horrible time doing her performance, her timing was off and she was very shaky, seemed due to muscle fatigue. While one of the dolls who jumps the Hula Hoop missed his jumps twice. The footwork throughout the ballet was less than desirable, it just did not seem like the PNB we've come to love and expect. I am not to sure if we will attend the rest of the seasons performances. One side note, it is a beautiful venue with great aesthetics. The only problem is the seats (no matter where you sit) they are not very comfortable, especially for longer performances. Now you would think for what they charge, the seats would be a lot more comfortable?! read more

Very disappointed in the new nutcracker. Saw it today. It was boring with no inspiring technical dancing. The overall production felt gimmicky and without substance. The beautiful story was lost. They spent way too much time on group dances with little solo work. It felt like a middle school production. My boyfriend was very excited to take me to see the nutcracker after loving previous times he had seen it and this was my first time. The best part was the chihuly star. read more

As an Air Force brat, ballet lessons were an important part of my childhood and adolescence offering consistency, discipline, and a sense of belonging no matter where I lived in the world, so when I had children, I wanted them to take ballet lessons and develop the love for it I had. Being a dumb Air Force brat who took ballet lessons in small local schools, I figured sending my daughter to the Pacific Northwest Ballet School would be a real gift for her, but PNB is a dance factory which killed her love of dance. I withdrew her when she was 12. We tried some other schools, but PNB had already done its damage. By age 13, my now 16 yr. old daughter quit dance forever. I now have a 6 yr. old son who watches my daughter's old Barbie ballet videos, invites the neighborhood kids over to dance with him, and was begging for ballet lessons. I take him to the Evergreen City Ballet where boys dance for free, they're generous with financial aid, and my son looks forward to his lessons. Please, don't repeat the innocent mistake I made. Don't send your children to PNB. read more

This Boal/Balanchine Nutcracker is so utterly boring and uninspired I won't be returning. Most of the show consists of kids running around, very little dancing and boring imprecise choreography. I cannot believe they replaced a version of the Nutcracker that was so original, thrilling, exciting to watch and unique with this rendition that seemed more small town USA community theater than world class ballet. Not surprisingly half the floor seats were empty. I spend over $450 all said and done for three tickets. I feel like I was robbed somehow. The only saving grace were the two principle dancers who ended the show. After 25+ years I'm done with PNB's Nutcracker. read more

This review is specifically for The Nutcracker. I've attended the last two years with my children. While I think it's fun for the kids, I have to say, the entire first act is so lethargic that I nearly fell asleep. I've seen The Nutcracker performed by many ballet companies; this one is just sluggish. I want to love it, but it needs some re-imagining and energy. The performance picks up in the second act and some of the dancers really are very talented. The costumes are beautiful, and the orchestra is very good. But it's just not enough. As an aside, attending the Nutcracker has become monumentally frustrating because of the other patrons. I bring my children with the clear understanding that if they begin talking or kicking the seats in front of them, we leave. I also waited to take them until they were old enough to both understand the story and watch quietly for two hours. Many other parents do not seem to care about what their children are doing during the performance. Children are kicking seats, climbing over them, talking loudly, making annoying noises, and whining. And what do the parents do? Nothing. They just let their kids behave like they're at a playground instead of a ballet. Please, if you're going to bring your children to the ballet or the theater or the symphony or a movie, wait until they're old enough to appreciate it and if they can't manage themselves, do some parenting and take them outside. It is self-centered to make every other theater-goer put up with your unruly child. read more

We attended for 30 yrs in the front row, but after that long the ballets get repetitious no matter how wonderful the dancers & music & costumes. We think they need more full ballets in their repetoire. If you like dance, PNB is excellent! read more

Went for director's choice today. Cause it was Friday11/14/2014 place was pretty full. Have been at the director's choice about three years ago and for Nutcracker, Don Juan, Pagliachi, Swan Lake and couple more. Last director's choice I liked more then this year's. Whole thing wasn't bad but something was missing. Gave four stars cause of all mu previous experiences, the last one would have been three stars. For the director's choice PNB should do something very strong and special. This time: again, something was missing. Theatre it self is great, Intermissions are thoughtfully managed. Love the cookies and wines :) , wouldn't recommend the cocktails, not a fan tried couple if times before wasn't trilled. Would prefer wine or straight up. Our friends have told us to save money, we should try to purchase our tickets right before the show; you might get not that good of a seat but can save up to 50%. Never tried but my friends have. read more

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We went to the new Nutcracker tonight. It was pretty but lacked the magnificence and majesty of Maurice Sendak. I probably won't go to this one again, too many children during the whole thing made it feel more like a ballet school performance, I felt it lacked professionalism. I hope PNB brings back Maurice Sendaks version again, I soooo missed the peacock. read more

3 Broadway shows, staff are just about average, not very friendly, some of them are very arrogant, the shows are dis pointing , very tedious, very boring. I was there to see ballet, it was like 3 non ballet shows, I do not know why they pick up these 3 shows, just the most boring shows I have ever seen the technics of these dancers are not very outstanding, I ll not come back again. read more

I really, really, really wanted to love the Nutcracker 2013 performance. I've seen the Nutcracker in several cities, probably 10 times in my life and it is a holiday tradition. I took my husband this year to introduce him to the magic and was so disappointed overall. The pros: the set design was AWESOME. It was really unique and artwork in its own right. I loved the paux de deux between Clair and the Nutcracker Prince. Beautiful, graceful, lovely. The dance of the Peacock was also outstanding. The cons: The rest of the choreography. I was waiting for the ballet for almost the entire first act. I know there are a lot of kids in the show but it felt less like a professional ballet and more like a kids recital. In the second act, I normally love seeing all of the different dances from around the world. This show stressed the costumes and set rather than the dancers' skills. The group dances also felt chaotic and out of sync. The bottom line: I'm sure that the PNB puts out some amazing shows, but this wasn't one of them. If you are going to see it, go for the matinee and save some money. I'll be waiting for the next show and hope that it places more emphasis on the dancing. read more

After living in the area for over 20 years, I was treated to my first "Nutcracker" by the Pacific NW Ballet. McCaw Hall is beautful and I especially love that on a blustery, rainy Seattle evening, the parking garage has a "SkyBridge" for people to walk through, so we didn't have to fight the torrents of rain and wind. The lobby was brightly decorated for the holidays, w/ life sized sculptures of some of the characters. The convenient coat check was much appreciated (though retrieval after the performance requires some patience) and there are restrooms on every level. Prior to the performance, the lobby is open 2 hours for visitation or even a dinner at their own restaurant (we had already dined out). There were multiple snack venues and a coffee stand. Perusing the gift shop was a little more difficult, as it was quite busy. I was tempted by the figurine ornaments of the characters, but wanted something to commemorate the date. Nothing had 2012 on it, so I passed. We were seated on the "first tier", in the back row, but were clearly able to see the stage and all the performers. Being slightly lower would have its advantages, but from up a bit higher, you can see everything. The orchestra was in fine form and the music was captivating. The costumes are stellar and the entire production is most definitely a "must see". If you want to give your mother something to remember, a gift of the Nutcracker for Christmas, and seeing you all dressed up in a tie and slacks, will definitely fill the bill! I was especially charmed seeing many fathers, dressed to the nines, w/ little girls in tow, also dressed in holiday finery...very, very heart touching. If you have a daughter, any age, but especially a tween, or teen...make this a night for them to remember as well. I saw a group of young ladies, with their dapper companions, who looked like they had spent an entire day at the salon, who were absolutely mesmirized by the evening... The Nutcracker is a NW tradition and the ballet company is exceptional. I highly recommend seeing it! read more

New Nutcracker is so disappointing. The Sendak version was just amazing and we wanted to come back every year to see it. No deisre to see the new one a second time. What a loss! read more

Just went to see Nutcracker today, which was thoroughly enjoyable. Initially, the choreography was predictable and (dare I say) boring, but it turned out to be a first act fluke. Honestly, the real star of the show was Maurice Sendak's delicious set and costume design. The story of Nutcracker isn't all that compelling, so perhaps seeing another ballet production with more emotion is in order... read more

What can I say? Not just a good ballet company, but they do push the envelope. Emil de Cou is a wonderful conductor and music director. They don't hesitate to bring in new talent, fresh ideas and sort of challenge the audience in what they perceive as good ballet. I don't always like the ballet, and that's the point! Catering to populist demand is great. Being a rebel is stupid. I think the PNB finds the right balance between giving us what we know and love, and also having backstage performances, rehearsals, etc. where you can observe new and fresh ideas. I witnessed the Nutcracker in Denver two years ago, and I can safely say it was much better than the PNBs. The difference? The "little children" were probably in their mid-20's. PNB's children? They genuinely are children. To allow young kids a chance to perform on such a wide public stage is... delightful, to say the least. (Also, I may have a mild crush on the ballerinas, but then again, who doesn't?) read more

We absolutely loved the nutcracker but fellow patrons really affect the experience. I see many reviewers don't like this new version, as someone who isn't that familiar with ballet though I thought it was a mesmerizing performance and I love the tech aspect. It's also fun that they have a nice concession area, beautiful gift store, and plenty of fun photo props. There needs to be a change made though to how families are allowed to behave. When you pay a lot of money and want a special outing you don't want children talking the whole time, throwing things, and kicking your chair. The rudeness of people these days is astounding along with the entitlement of many parents. It's a shame to take your children to see a beautiful performance and have them desecrate it with their constant upheaval. There are several ways the PNB could combat this, some ideas are a children's only day, a children's section and separate adult sections, more signs posted about how it is a quiet environment, more ushers warning those who are ruining it for everyone else. read more

I have been to multiple PNB shows over the years. The company, the dancer skills are outstanding, and my family and I enjoyed many, many shows. Despite many positive reviews of the Nutcracker on Yelp!, that is one show that any ballet lover or professional would recommend you to stay from - PNB took away the roots of this excellent story and choreography and they run it with their least skilled dancers and with minimum effort. Shame on PNB for messing with this beautiful classic! However, today's show of Romeo and Juliette topped the Nutcracker tenfold. It was an X-rated show and there were small kids in the audience (including my 9-year old daugther). Forget the fact that the beautiful Prokofiev ballet was reduced to some white walls for decor and the choreography of dragging each other on the floor and punching in the face, even pushing the girls on the ground (how genltlemen-like!) Never in my life have I seen so much boob grabbing, and other inappropriate gestures (including several Italian gestures for f...-off) coming from the ballet stage. Are you kidding me?! this ballet had to be clearly marked as X-rated, and I would have never brought my child to tea his disgrace. Prokofiev is turning in his grave! By the way, if PNB decides to do a "modern" version of a classical ballet, it needs to be clearly marked in their never-ending marketing materials. Misleading loyal customers like my family's and I only makes us think twice and thrice before buying PNB tickets... read more

I've been here to see: -"The Nutcracker" -"Romeo and Juliet" -"Sleeping Beauty" -A spring showing of multiple ballets (can't remember what it's called) -"Coppelia" -"Contemporary 4" How do I see so many ballets?Because of PNB's awesome under 25 program. If you are 25 and under, you can get one ticket for $15 and 2 for $25 (plus $3 convenience fee). $14 is a little more than a movie ticket which is a pretty good deal for a nice night and performance on the town if you ask me! (Note: "The Nutcracker" is not part of this deal; I also saw the spring showing without this promo.) The seats are in the second balcony but I've been seated in the center of the second row of the balcony before which is not bad! Parking is horrible, but its Queen Anne. What did you expect?! This is the "highest-end" ballet company I've been to and I'm no ballet expert, but I have fun. From the music to the dancing to the costumes, I find it quite beautiful. My friend and I both enjoyed the difference from "Contemporary" to many of the other ballets we had seen. As its name indicates, its much more modern and we enjoyed the minimalistic, but still interesting, style. ("Romeo and Juliet," on the other hand had a minimalistic, but boring, set.) I am excited to see "Midsummer's Night Dream" next week! P.S. PNB, can you please do "Swan Lake" next season!? Its still missing on my list of ballets I want to see! read more

I have gotten dozens of calls from PNB regarding donations & other forms of solicitation. I came to a show in October 2014 & since then, I've received calls every couple weeks. It's getting absolutely ridiculous. About 4 of the calls have been after 8pm. Seriously? I have called back & politely asked them to take me off any donation list, whether it be for money or advertising new ballets, I don't care about any of it. It's the most obnoxious thing ever. If I get another call I will press charges for harassment. Take me off your list PNB, you've been warned. read more

Ive been taking open class at pacific northwest ballet for quite some time now, and the instruction is exceptional. Being a former professional ballet dancer, I find the classes challenging enough for my technique and I still get great corrections from the teachers. I like that there is a different teacher every day, and there are classes in the morning and evening to fit your schedule. I would highly recommend... read more

The ballet is a wonderful experience because it offers a show that goes with the music but there are no words so each person can fill in the script as their imagination prefers. The shows range from classical Nutcracker and Swan Lake, to modern contemporary pieces that are purely artistic without any plot. Basically there is something for everyone. The most enjoyable part is that the company is one of the best in the world. That is saying something for a city as small as Seattle relative to the other Ballet centers. The athletic ability in the performances is one to admire and appreciate. And the set designs and costumes are unique to this ballet only and can not be found any where else in the world. The Nutcracker was designed by Maurice Sendak and is a Christmas tradition for everyone. Tips: See the Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, and Carmina Burana. All of those are a must see and perfect for anyone. read more

The only reason I didn't give this a Five Star Rating is because I found the acoustics during The Nutcracker to be lacking. For what it's worth, I am solely comparing my experience up here to the productions I've enjoyed in San Francisco. The music was louder and you could feel the vibrations! The pitter patter of the dancers feet were rarely heard, as any background miscellaneous noise from the crowd. The music should drown all of that out and that simply does not happen in Seattle. read more

I never thought I'd enjoy ballet as much as I did. It is amazing and mesmerizing to watch the dancers move. Only wished I have discovered it earlier! Got tickets for 3 more productions in 2010-2011 - can't wait! read more

We attended the Saturday show. The dancers and orchestra were spot on, beautiful. Thank you! The set design, score, costumes and general presentation was horrible, like unbelievable. I have no idea how anyone who has ever seen the Nutcracker would consider this presentation anything but garbage. The Maurice Sendak version was infinitely better. The most unbelievable part was that someone decided that it would be okay to not even include the ending. What?! It just stopped! It stopped without showing the last 25% of the Nutcracker! We got to see the Nutcrack. If anyone from the pnw ballet reads this please refund 25% of my ticket price. Potential patrons, do yourself a favor and see the Nutcracker somewhere else this year or save your money and watch a version on YouTube. I promise it will be better! This presentation was garbage, and embarrassing. read more

So I went to see the Nutcracker a week before Christmas. I'm at the zoo with family on New Year's Eve, and I get a telemarketing call from the Pacific Northwest Ballet asking for money and trying real hard to sell me bundled tickets to upcoming Ballets. I certainly wasn't expecting to get sales calls from them, and how disrespectful can it get to call people on a holiday! RUDE and UNPROFESSIONAL! read more

We saw the Nutcracker on Christmas Eve and had a wonderful time. They really took a classic and made a great effort to make it current and entertaining, for ex. in one scene they broke into the "Gangnam Style" dance. Take the whole family, you won't regret it. read more

I've seen several productions by the PNB and each one is just as amazing as the last. Matinee or evening, spring or summer or nutcracker, the dancers, the orchestra, and the entire production are really one of Seattle's best cultural assets. Their productions really transcend all ages and backgrounds and are easily relatable to changing times and social concerns. If you're feeling interculturally-bankrupt, this is the quickest, most direct, and most enjoyable cure for that ail. read more

Wow... I love their production of "The Nutcracker" as a seasonal staple, but tonight's rendition of "Romeo and Juliet" was some sort of Modern, Contrived, Crappy Thing. Every time it looked like some classical Ballet might actually break out and take hold they started doing some weirdness of combined East Side Story and Hip Hop handy type gesticulations. If you are a classical ballet buff, give this one a miss. Abraham Lincoln onnce said "People who like this sort of thing will find this the sort of thing they like" and that's most appropriate in this case. I'd like to give them more but this was 2.5 hours of tedious strangeness for sure. read more

I love this place. We have been taking my nieces to the Nutcracker Ballet since they were tiny tots. Initially they were too young to appreciate the magic and often fell asleep half way through the program. They're in their 20's now and it's so ingrained in Christmas tradition that they took my Mom to a matinee performance of the Nutcracker for her Christmas present last year. It is amazing that from the outside of the building this venue looks dated. Inside It's very classy and is definitely an occasion to dress up Have a glass of champagne or sparkling cider during intermission and people watch. I must admit I wish they would switch out the same old Maurice Sendak costumes. You might recognize them, Maurice Sendak was the author of the 1960's book Where the Wild Things Are as well as several others. Since the Nutcracker was written by Kent Stowell, PNB's Founding Artistic Director in collaboration with Maurice Sendak, the distinctive costume style I know now is probably not going to change. Ever. read more

Probably one of the most under thought of ideas for activities is the ballet; however, Seattle has a phenomenal ballet and I would recommend everyone to attend - at least a showing of The Nutcracker. My family and I have attended The Nutcracker for the past 5 years and I am constantly finding new appreciation for this ballet, from the music score to the performances on stage - amazing. From the moment the music starts and the curtain rises to the curtain drop, you will be entertained and lost in a world of magical beauty. Excellent memories and well worth the price of tickets. You get way more than you pay for. read more

I went to the dress rehearsal for Midsummers Night Dream last night, and it was phenomenal! The dancing, the sets, the costumes! This is a great production, a must see! read more

I'm proud of our local troop. I started going to the Ballet to gain culture and have since fallen in love with it. I always look forward to seeing the next show and improving my seats each year. I love being apart of it as a season ticket holder. They are brilliant read more

I went to see Air Twyla and the quality of the performance and dancers blew me away. If you are interested in the arts, it is a great date night. The performance contained classic ballet, a more modern jazz piece, and a crowd pleasing Sinatra compilation. Beautiful performance, gorgeous building, amazing experience. read more

Amazing! Venue is gorgeous. The staff let us preorder drinks for intermission and had them waiting on a table when we came out! It was also a rainy night so it was nice that macaw hall has a covered sky bridge to and from the adjacent parking garage. Absolutely will return for more events here. Ps you know the performance was great did I really even have to say that. read more

I love the ballet. It is one of my favorite performing arts. It is beautiful and athletic and there are lots of styles to keep you on your toes (har har). I'm not crazy about the PNB in general. Not the venue. Not the general repertoire. But things are changing and moving forward now and I'm looking forward to having a more world class ballet here in Seattle. I hope it works out beautifully. read more