Photography by Tiffany Bri.
On Friday April 22, Pacific Northwest Ballet held their Friday performance of Coppélia at McCaw Hall, followed by their Spring to Life Backstage Bash party. The Backstage Bash was hosted by PNB’s Young Patrons Circle, a group of ballet lovers in their 20s and 30s, devoted to cultivating young ballet audiences.
Following the playful, beautiful performance of Coppélia, members of the Young Patrons Circle and excited party-goers were ushered downstairs to queue for entrance to the Backstage Bash. The crowd had a different vibe from the traditional ballet audience, and only the young and stylish were left, energized by the distant sounds of a DJ.
As guests were let in, photographer Tiffany Bri and I came to see that we were literally backstage, the wings revamped into a trendy party venue with dim, colorful lighting. There were acrobatic performers dispersed throughout the room from the School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts (SANCA) that had the guests engaged (and slightly nervous) with their feats. Many of the dancers from Coppélia were in also attendance, easy to spot with their perfectly pinned hair and exquisite posture, while guests danced the night away–sans pointe shoes–to DJed beats on the McCaw Hall stage itself.
The ballet and its after party were filled to the brim with artistic and appealing Seattleites, and it was lovely to see such a young crowd so passionately engaged.
If you’re a ballet fan between 21 and 39, consider joining the Young Patrons Circle. Members range from dancers to ballet lovers to arts enthusiasts of all stripes, creating a wonderful network of creative, community-minded people. Members enjoy discounted tickets, access to an exclusive lounge during intermissions and special parties during the season. Learn more online.
