Anniversary Letter

40th Anniversary Message From PBT’s Artistic Director

As we usher in our 40th anniversary, not only are we embarking on a breathtaking new season, but we also have the rare opportunity to reflect on and celebrate a remarkable history that has been punctuated with some of the brightest luminaries of the dance world.

Through the efforts of the Company’s first Artistic Director Nicholas Petrov and benefactor Loti Falk Gaffney, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre found its beginnings in 1969 and soon was playing host to some of the most talented artists of the day, including Frederick Franklin, Violette Verdy and Edward Villela.

In 1982, Patricia Wilde, a former prima ballerina with New York City Ballet, took the reins as Artistic Director. She brought with her the strength, speed and sharpness of the Balanchine repertoire and technique and moved the Company into the national and international spotlight.

When I became Artistic Director in 1997, one of my first ambitions was to work on the Company’s full-length repertoire, beginning in my first season with Don Quixote. Since then, I have introduced more contemporary works and commissioned world premieres from today’s brightest and most sought-after choreographers. One of my proudest achievements, however, has been choreographing a “new” Nutcracker for the city of Pittsburgh that debuted in 2002.

We currently have a Company of 30 professionals who represent some of the most gifted and talented dancers in the world. These fine artists choose to come to Pittsburgh and make it their home by establishing roots, starting families and becoming a valuable part of the city. Every season I am so proud of the dedication and versatility these dancers bring to each new project.

With Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School we look toward the future as we train the next generation of dancers. Today PBT’s school boasts an enrollment of more than 500 students, and our graduates can be found in companies across the world, including right here at PBT.

For this anniversary season, I have selected works that reflect the many facets of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Opening the season is the beloved fairy tale The Sleeping Beauty, which is sure to delight children of all ages. In November, we will present the groundbreaking work Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project. This production is an important work that seeks to move the audience and to demonstrate how art can indeed change the world. The holidays wouldn’t be complete without our magical production of The Nutcracker in December. In February, we’ll all enjoy the jive-, jitterbug- and swing-inspired choreography of Paul Taylor’s Company B, along with the edgy and energetic movement of Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room. We will end the season in April with Swan Lake, the most popular of all classical ballets.

It is such a pleasure to be a part of Pittsburgh’s cultural landscape. We are honored to bring our audiences high-caliber productions that inspire, amaze and entertain. We hope you will join us in celebrating our 40th anniversary as we look forward to our next 40 years as leaders in dance entertainment and education.