SEATTLE — Pacific Northwest Ballet announced an all-online lineup for its 2020-2021 season, but one performance is conspicuously missing – holiday favorite The Nutcracker.
“Under current COVID conditions, which include restrictions to PNB School’s operations, it is impossible to stage PNB’s most popular production in 2020, but plans are afoot to offer a digital experience of the cherished story ballet this December,” PNB said in a news release Tuesday.
Traditionally, dozens of young dancers from the Pacific Northwest Ballet School get the experience of a lifetime when they perform in the iconic production that’s become a Seattle tradition. Last year’s performances included 140 local children.
It’s also a big money maker for PNB, bringing in a full quarter of its budget.
But with the coronavirus pandemic, it is not possible to have live performances before audiences this season.
Instead, the new lineup will be a combination of high-definition videos of new works and archival videos of story ballets. There will also be bonus content for each program.
Each work will be rehearsed and performed by PNB dancers days before their release.
PNB said the other 75% of its budget usually comes from ticket sales and tuition for students of PNB School.
“We are counting on our friends and supporters to invest in what we are able to offer under these acute circumstances,” said PNB Executive Director Ellen Walker.
Digital access to the full season lineup starts at $190. Get subscription information at 206-441-2424 or online at PNB.org/DigitalSubscription.
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