Dear Level VI-VIII, Intermediate Boys, Men’s Division, and PD students and families,
We are so happy to have students back in the studios! As always, we want to thank you for your support and commitment to your student’s dancing and to PNB. Please find an important update on safety and security surrounding the Phelps Center and greater Seattle Center campus.
As mentioned in a previous communication, the City of Seattle’s Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) is hosting a shelter below PNB at the Exhibition Hall for people experiencing homelessness. Seattle Center and DESC have increased security and awareness around the shelter, and the situation inside the shelter is well managed, but outside the shelter we are aware of an increase in unsafe interactions with the shelter-adjacent population utilizing DESC services around the Phelps Center.
Seattle Center has increased security on campus, and PNB also has a security guard present at the front door during all School hours. When traveling to and from the Phelps Center for classes, we strongly encourage the following:
• If you see something suspicious while on the Seattle Center grounds, please report it immediately to the Seattle Center Emergency Services Unit at 206.684.7272 (or call 9-1-1). We recommend students add this emergency number to their cell phone contacts.
• “See Something, Say Something”: Please also let PNB staff know immediately if you see or experience something unsafe on the way in and out of the Phelps Center. Email documentation is also helpful in our communication with Seattle Center. PNB Front Desk: 206.441.9411; PNB School Office: 206.441.2435
• Students driving to and from PNB should always exercise caution upon arrival and departure. If possible, walk in pairs (while remaining socially distant).
• Families who drop their students off are encouraged to use the drop-off parking in front of the Phelps Center and watch their student until they are safely in the building.
• Students being picked up must remain in the building until they see their parent arrive (while remaining socially distant from other students).
• For more information, visit Seattle Center’s Public Safety page: www.seattlecenter.com/visitor-info/safety.
Seattle Center shares our high priority in keeping our students and families safe while working with City of Seattle to make shelter and services available to our most vulnerable community members.
Pacific Northwest Ballet
Pacific Northwest Ballet School