Mandy Dray

Hello SEATTLE PNB School Families,

We wanted to take a moment to give you a heads up that PNB will be hosting an exciting event called Teachers’ Seminar this coming week at the Phelps Center: Wednesday, April 9th – Saturday, April 12th. 

The Teachers’ Seminar brings together dance educators from across the country for a four-day total immersion experience into the dance training, philosophies, syllabus, and dancer wellness program that makes Pacific Northwest Ballet School one of the nation’s finest professional ballet training institutions. We are expecting approximately 40 dance teachers from across the country to attend this event.

Participants will gain an inside view of PNB School programs from Level I through Professional Division through lecture demonstrations, ballet classes, and panel discussions.  Attendees will also enjoy a PNB performance and are welcome to observe PNB School classes during the four-day event.

With more foot traffic expected at the Phelps Center, we kindly ask all parents and visitors to be mindful of the space during drop-offs, pick-ups, and while waiting in the lobby and school office areas. Please help us ensure the studio remains welcoming for everyone by keeping walkways clear and following any signage or guidance from staff. We also ask that all students make sure they are in proper dress code as usual and remember the importance of maintaining a respectful and focused atmosphere here at PNB.

Thank you for understanding!

If you have any questions, please email or call the school office.

PNB School Staff

Hello PNBS families,

Due to Seattle School District as well as Bellevue School District canceling after school/evening activities due to the forecasted hazardous weather conditions, we are canceling all classes scheduled for this evening, Wednesday March 26th at both the Phelps Center and Francia Russell Center.

Everyone please stay safe!

If you have any questions please call or email the school office.

Thank you!

PNB School Staff

Hello PNB Families,

Time is almost up! Don’t miss the early bird sale that is happening through March 28th!

Below you will find the links and passwords to access the class photos that were taken in February. We ask that you respect the photographer’s work and please do not screenshot the images.

Please call or email the school if you have any questions.

Click here for EASTSIDE CLASS pictures. Password: bepscbal25!!

Click here for SEATTLE CLASS pictures. Password: sebalpan25??

We are unable to schedule any make-up pictures.

Thank you!

PNB School Staff

Dear PNB School Families,

I am writing to you today to share some important news about leadership transitions at Pacific Northwest Ballet School. We communicated this news to our faculty and staff last month, and wanted to share it with all of you as well. Denise Bolstad, PNB School Managing Director, will retire at the conclusion of Summer Course and Abbie Siegel, PNB School Principal will retire from her position after School Performance. It is hard to imagine PNB School without Denise and Abbie. 

Denise began working for PNB in 1980 and held various positions with the School including Registrar and Principal. Denise’s contribution to PNBS is beyond measure. She has seen the School through its move from the Good Shepherd Center to the Phelps Center and from the first Eastside school to the first and second Francia Russell Center. She has helped a devoted team implement and enhance DanceChance, Community Education, Dance for All, Dance for PD, New Voices, NEXT STEP, the Mentorship program, multiple Teachers’ Seminars, countless conferences, dozens of Scholarship Teas, School Celebration Dinners, Petite Finales, audition tours, faculty meetings, 42 school performances, and the first dedicated wellness team in the country for a ballet school. It has been a pleasure and an honor to work alongside her. 

Though Abbie has decided to retire from her School Principal duties in June, luckily for us, she will remain on the faculty. Throughout her 34 years at the School, Abbie has been an irreplaceable member of the faculty, teaching students at every level. Abbie has also held many important roles, including DanceChance Manager, serving as Assistant Principal, Principal of the Francia Russell Center, and, since 2012, as Principal for both schools. Her many roles are impressive, but her true strength lies in the quiet, everyday moments when she’s there to help students and families navigate life’s challenges and celebrate their accomplishments in ballet. She has always led with her heart, deeply committed to what’s best for each student, guiding them not just in dance, but in life. 

We are pleased to share Assistant Principal Marisa Albee will assume the role of School Principal at the conclusion of this school year. Marisa has been an influential faculty member for the past twenty-four years. As Assistant Principal for the past three, she worked alongside Abbie learning the myriad complexities and nuances of the role. We are excited to see Marisa’s further contribution to the School and community in her new role. 

Please join me in congratulating Denise and Abbie on their extraordinary contributions. We will honor them at this year’s School Performance. 

Sincerely, 

Peter Boal 

Director, PNB School