Pacific Northwest Ballet

If you enjoy ballet, you will not be disappointed with Pacific Northwest Ballet.

With the most talented and technically trained dancers in the Northwest and possibly the nation, this Seattle ballet company always puts on a beautiful performance.

Pacific Northwest Ballet has the highest per capita attendance in the US. Although they do sell tickets at the box office on the day-of, it is best to buy your tickets in advance to get the best seats.

Regular ticket prices range from $25 to $160, depending on where in the theatre your seat is located.

Parking for McCaw Hall and a PNB performance

The Mercer St. parking garage is directly across the street. It's a covered parking garage where you can park for around $10, depending on the day. There's a covered sky bridge that crosses the street to McCaw Hall. Valet parking is also available.

My second choice would be the 5th Ave N Parking Garage at 5th and Harrison. It's also covered, and this is where I usually park for other Seattle Center events. There are other parking garages and lots on streets as you get further away from the Center - you'll just have to decide how far you want to walk!

What to wear to the ballet

Although generally people dress pretty casually in Seattle, ballet performances are considered a special event and patrons are expected to dress up for the occasion. Nice clothing such as slacks, dresses, or skirts is the minimum. Cocktail dresses or tea-length dresses are appropriate as are shirts and ties for the men. Suits and gowns are not required, although many in the audience will be wearing them.

Cameras are not allowed in the venue. You can take pictures in the lobby or outside, but not in the show itself.

McCaw Hall

PNB's McCaw Hall

All Pacific Northwest Ballet performances take place in McCaw Hall at Seattle Center. It is a gorgeous venue that includes a gift shop and a cafe. Before the show, kids can do crafts or take a free dance class. You can purchase drinks, snacks, or a meal at the cafe, or reserve a table for the intermission where your order will be waiting for you. This is a great option because the ballets are usually three to four hours long, so a snack, dessert, or glass of wine is a nice break. For a quick bite to eat before the show that is a little less pricey, there are fast food places inside Center House.

At many of the ballets, dancers come out into the lobby to sign pointe shoes and to speak with audience members. This usually takes place before or after the show depending on the day. It is always interesting to hear about the show from their point of view.

The ballets are accompanied by live music played by a pit orchestra made up of members of the Seattle Symphony. You are permitted to walk up and look inside the orchestra pit which is always fun to see.

Not only is the music wonderful, but the sets and costumes are unbelievable. Like a picture from a fairytale, they are always very elaborate, and delicately put together. All of this makes the dancing even more amazing to watch.

Pacific Northwest Ballet School

A great activity for all ages, the Pacific Northwest Ballet performances never disappoint. Trained from a young age, these dancers have great technique and incredible lines that are amazing to watch. In fact, the school where many of the dancers are trained is located right next door. The Pacific Northwest Ballet School is recognized as one of the top three ballet training schools in the United States.

Some of the ballets performed each year are elaborate stories such as the Nutcracker or Coppelia. Others are simpler, showcasing choreographers or sometimes even modern dance. If you are bringing young children, the detailed scenery of a story ballet would be your best bet. But no matter which you choose, all the performances of this Seattle ballet company are magnificent.

Special Offers and discounts on PNB Tickets

Group Tickets - save 20% with Group Rates for parties of 10 or more
Under 25 Thursdays and Fridays - get 1 ticket for $15 or 2 for $25 for Thursday and Friday evenings of regular season performances
Backstage Pass - for ballet lovers between the ages of 21 and 39, get subscription discounts, complimentary wine at intermissions, parties with dancers and artistic staff, and educational events
Teen Tix - teens age 13-19 can join Teen Tix and get $5 tickets to Pacific Northwest Ballet performances and other local music, dance, theatre shows, and art events - this is a great deal and my daughter has seen many PNB performances this way!
Student and Senior Rush Tickets - half price tickets are available to students with valid school ID and seniors (65+) beginning 90 minutes before curtain time at the McCaw Hall Box Office
Teacher Discounts - teachers can save 20% on tickets to regular season repertory programs