Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) was founded in December of 1969 by Nicholas Petrov, then director of the dance school program at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Under the auspices of Point College with Loti Falk as Chairman, the fledging company began, "the ambitious and resourceful life of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre," as quoted by Clive Barnes.
Throughout its 38 years, PBT grew and greatly benefited from its early exposure to a very large and eclectic number of dance luminaries who appeared as guest dancers, teachers and choreographers. Among the most notable were: Ethel Winters, Violette Verdy, Edward Villella, Natalia Markova, Peter Schaufauss, Freddie Franklin, Leonide Massine, Vitale Fokine, Agnes DeMille, Edward Caton, Ruth Page, Nijinska, Alvin Ailey, Ohad Naharin, and Domy Reiter-Soffer.
Founding Artistic Director, Nicholas Petrov was joined briefly by co-director Freddie Franklin. Following Mr. Petrov's retirement in 1977, PBT was led by John Giplin (1977), Patrick Franz (1977-1982), Patricia Wilde (1982-1998), and currently, Terrence S. Orr.
PBT has toured extensively throughout its history to 28 states, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, with a repertoire rich in classics, and works by contemporary choreographers. PBT's Ballet School features a unique program for its high school age students in collaboration with Pittsburgh's Schenley High School, which offers an opportunity for education concurrent with rigorous professional ballet training. An understanding of PBT's impact on the community has led to comprehensive program of Arts Education and Community Engagement initiatives that deepen the experience in the arts for many who would not otherwise be exposed to the performing arts.
