With Her New Production, PBT’s Susan Jaffe Seeks A More Enlightened ‘Swan Lake’ [PREVIEW]

By Steve Sucato Former American Ballet Theatre (ABT) star Susan Jaffe has danced more than her fair share of Swan Lake productions in her career. Her first in the lead role of Odette-Odile came at ABT when she was just nineteen in what The New York Times called, “a beautiful triumph.” She then danced it again every year of her 22-year career, including productions in England, Germany, … Continue reading With Her New Production, PBT’s Susan Jaffe Seeks A More Enlightened ‘Swan Lake’ [PREVIEW]

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and The Mosites Company Partner to Bring Open Air Series Back June 9-12

Collaboration and generous funding from the Gaming & Economic Development Tourism Fund (GEDTF) allows the Open Air Series to relaunch on the shores of the Allegheny River in Sharpsburg By Jenna Bodnar PITTSBURGH, PA (April 1, 2022) – Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) is pleased to announce that its popular collaborative performance series Open Air will return this June. Thanks to an exciting new partnership with The … Continue reading Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and The Mosites Company Partner to Bring Open Air Series Back June 9-12

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s “Here + Now” Runs March 24 – 27, 2022

Mixed Repertory Production Brings Cutting-Edge Female Choreographers’ Work to the August Wilson African American Cultural Center By Jenna Bodnar PITTSBURGH, PA – Cutting-edge voices in dance will take center stage at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center March 24 – 27 at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s (PBT) Here + Now. Featuring a lineup of internationally acclaimed — and all female — choreographers, this evocative mixed repertory production … Continue reading Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s “Here + Now” Runs March 24 – 27, 2022

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre to Open Applications Soon for 2022 Apprenticeship Program

By Jenna Bodnar PITTSBURGH, PA (Jan. 25, 2022) – Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) is pleased to announce the return of the apprenticeship program, which offers dancers exceptional professional experience and exciting performance opportunities with the PBT company, as well as optional academic courses. Two paid apprenticeship positions are available for the 2022 – 2023 performance season for dancers ages 18 – 21. Positions include the cost of … Continue reading Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre to Open Applications Soon for 2022 Apprenticeship Program

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Cancels February’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’

To Our PBT Family: Since the doors to the Benedum Center opened for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Season Premiere in October and The Nutcracker in December, we have been thrilled to welcome enthusiastic live audiences back to the theater. Thank you for your support! One ballet that will not make its successful return to theaters is Alice in Wonderland, Feb 11 – Feb 13, 2022.Alice is a U.K. production that involves cross-Atlantic … Continue reading Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Cancels February’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre: ‘Season Premiere’ [REVIEW]

Pittsburgh Ballet TheatreBenedum CenterPittsburgh, PAOctober 23, 2021Season Premiere Program: Petal, Grand Pas Classique, Through the Window (world premiere), Diamonds Steve Sucato To kick off its 2021-22 dance season and the return to in-theater performances, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre presented the mixed repertory production Season Premiere with the PBT Orchestra. It was the first offering in artistic director Susan Jaffe’s inaugural season of programming (postponed by the pandemic) and made good on … Continue reading Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre: ‘Season Premiere’ [REVIEW]

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Announces A Diamond Tribute to Patricia Wilde Livestream

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre presents an exclusive livestream performance and tribute to PBT’s former Artistic Director, Patricia Wilde . The program, Saturday, Oct. 23 at 8:15 p.m., will begin with a special look back at a tribute to Patricia Wilde, courtesy of WQED multimedia. Learn more about Ms. Wilde’s legacy on our website. Then the evening turns to the stage for remarks from current Artistic Director, Susan … Continue reading Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Announces A Diamond Tribute to Patricia Wilde Livestream

Lone Group Work Highlights Simmons Dance’s Solos Program [REVIEW]

Shana Simmons DanceSpring for SolosPittsburgh Ballet Theatre Stage at Flagstaff HillSchenley Park, Pittsburgh PAMay 20, 2021 Reviewed by Steve Sucato A part of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s inaugural Open Air series at Schenley Park’s Flagstaff Hill stage, Shana Simmons Dance offered up the 50-minute program Spring for Solos. The collection of mostly solo works from the company’s repertory began with artistic director/choreographer Shana Simmons performing her … Continue reading Lone Group Work Highlights Simmons Dance’s Solos Program [REVIEW]

Good Vibes Permeate Inaugural ‘Open Air’ Artist Showcase [REVIEW]

OPEN AIR SERIES 2021 Artists ShowcaseCurated by Richard ParsakianPittsburgh Ballet Theatre Stage at Flagstaff HillSchenley Park, Pittsburgh PAMay 20, 2021 Reviewed by Steve Sucato Terpsichorean Richard Parsakian’s curated dance showcase for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s inaugural Open Air Series followed a similar format to his highly successful Pittsburgh Pride dance showcases of years past.  A stylistic variety of small dance works from ten mostly local artists … Continue reading Good Vibes Permeate Inaugural ‘Open Air’ Artist Showcase [REVIEW]

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre: Distinction and Delight [REVIEW]

Pittsburgh Ballet TheatreOpen Air: A Series in Celebration of the Performing ArtsPrograms A and BMay 21 and 22, 2021 Flagstaff Hill at Schenley ParkPittsburgh, PA Steve Sucato As the hosts of the much-anticipated “Open Air: A Series in Celebration of the Performing Arts,” Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) gave audiences a heaping helping of the kind of repertory new artistic director Susan Jaffe will be bringing to … Continue reading Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre: Distinction and Delight [REVIEW]