Wells provided early training to many dancers who went on to major national and international careers. These were initially taught by Mary Ann Wells (1894-1971), who founded the school's dance department, directed it for seven years, and then operated her own studio from about 1920 to 1958. Seattle native Robert Joffrey's (1930-1988) company appeared on a nearly yearly basis beginning in 1958, under sponsorship of various civic organizations.Ĭornish School, founded in 1914, offered ballet classes. Influential Seattle theater and music promoter Cecilia Schultz (1878-1971) booked touring professional ballet companies, including the San Francisco Opera Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. Sadler's Wells (later called Royal Ballet) performed in Seattle several times prior to the organization of Pacific Northwest Ballet, beginning in 1951. The Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo, an offshoot of the legendary Ballets Russes company founded by Russian choreographer Serge Diaghilev (1872-1929) in 1909, toured the United States extensively during the mid-twentieth century, including a 1936 stop in Seattle (and many subsequent visits). Anna Pavlova (1881-1931) appeared at the Moore Theatre in 1914. Many of the touring companies who stopped in Seattle were legendary. Seattle's exposure to classical ballet prior to the formation of Pacific Northwest Ballet came, in general, from two sources: touring performers and local dance schools. Under Boal's watch, the ballet has greatly expanded its repertory and presented regional premieres to critical acclaim. Since 2005, Peter Boal has led both company and school. Their talent, dedication, and long tenure profoundly shaped the company and the Pacific Northwest Ballet School. From 1977 to 2005, artistic directors Kent Stowell (b. Since its inception, the company has performed at Seattle Center, first at the Opera House and then at McCaw Hall. Pacific Northwest Ballet, founded in 1972, is consistently ranked among the leading professional ballet companies in the United States.
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