A Night of Elegant, Artistic Choreography By Crystal Pite — The Seasons’ Canon at PNB
Wow! Just wow.
I’m in awe at the incredible performance of Pacific Northwest Ballet’s opening night of The Seasons’ Canon.
From the exact choreography to the dancers’ technique, this performance is mesmerizing. I wish that I could see it every night that they performed it.
Whether you’re a fellow ballet dancer or you dance around your house when your favorite song starts to play, this piece will knock your socks off. Seriously.
Three works covering the 50-year lifetime of Pacific Northwest Ballet including the world premiere of Catching Feelings, Duo Concertant, and The Seasons’ Canon, celebrate all that PNB stands for.
But let’s cover a few basics to help you fully appreciate this extraordinary night of artistry.
Who is Crystal Pite?
Crystal grew up in Victoria, BC, and joined the Ballet BC where she got her start as a professional dancer, before joining Ballett Frankfurt. She made her choreographic debut a few years later and has choreographed 50 pieces over the last three decades. She’s worked with The Royal Ballet, The Paris Opera Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, and of course Pacific Northwest Ballet.
Crystal’s style in choreography pushes the traditional boundaries of classical ballet. And I love it. The next time Crystal’s choreography is performed near you, in Seattle or anywhere else in the world, do yourself a favor and buy a ticket.
You won’t regret it.
The Seasons’ Canon
Created in 2016 for the Paris Opera Ballet, The Seasons’ Canon is complex, intricate, and synchronous. This is the third work from Crystal Pite that PNB has had the honor to perform.
At one point during this piece dancers flow from the wings. All 54 dancers keep coming. You don’t know where to look or who to watch. Then the dancers come together on stage and move as one collective group, like a massive wave across the stage. The lighting, technique, costumes, dancers, and PNB orchestra make this a mesmerizing piece to watch.
What’s a canon in dance?
A canon is when one dancer or a group of dancers perform the same movement or series of steps starting at different times, like a wave at a football game (except better and more beautiful). Canons require dancers to be precise in their movements in order for it to look the way it’s supposed to, for you and the audience.
As the name suggests, there are many canons in Crystal’s choreography and that’s what adds a unique element, making you never want to look away for fear of missing a spectacular group lift or solo.
There are different ways canons can be done. My favorite is when the dancers went to center stage, in a straight line, and performed a canon with their arms. Each dancer has to put their arm in just the right place for the canon to work. If one dancer messes up, that dancer’s arm sticks out like a fly in a glass of milk.
It’s all about timing and placement.
If you didn’t get to see The Seasons’ Canon in person, it’s streaming through November 21, 2022. Get your digital tickets here.
Duo Concertant
Geroge Balanchine’s duo debuted exactly 50 years ago this year. It’s fitting that PNB use this piece on its 50th anniversary.
This piece starts with the violinist and pianist coming out on stage while two dancers watch them play. The dancers go back and forth between watching and listening and then dancing to the music. As they dance together, and solo, you see a representation of what you’re hearing.
It’s not often that you see dancers who aren’t dancing. But you sort of get lost in the music as you watch the musicians, alongside the dancers. You feel as though the dancers are part of the audience, sitting next to you, as you listen. Watching the same live musical performance gives a sense of connection between you and the dancers.
Duo Concertant is like watching street musicians. If you’re brave enough, you start to dance right then and there, in the street with your partner. And you don’t even care that people are watching.
It’s a unique, romantic, and fun piece to watch.
World Premier 2022 — Catching Feelings
The newest work to date at PNB, Dwight Roden’s choreography does exactly that — makes you catch feelings. I brought a friend along for this performance and she was brought to tears as we clapped and clapped at the end. She actually needed a second to get her composure because this piece is so moving.
Between the red shimmery costumes, the dark and intimate lighting, and the cellist, this piece is bound to stir up emotions. With it’s breaks of pas de deux partners, dancers seem to glide across the stage. The dance ends with an embrace.
Soloists' and principal dancers' strengths are showcased throughout this new PNB supported work with jumps, arabesques, and perfectly paired dancers that truly capture the emotion behind Catching Feelings.
Can’t wait to see what Dwight creates next.
Shoutouts
I can’t end the blog without saying a HUGE congratulations to all of the dancers who have been promoted this season.
On opening night of The Seasons’ Canon, Amanda Morgan, Leah Terada, Dammiel Cruz - Garrido, and Christian Poppe were promoted to soloists!
Congratulations to all of the dancers who were promoted this season.
You all deserve it. 🤗
