NBT is not just a dance company. It’s a collaboration. The NBT ‘family’ is an organization composed of dedicated and passionate individuals and supportive groups who have come together to ensure the quality of our productions for our audiences year after year. Now in its 13th year, NBT has set a standard of excellence in classical ballet and has made professional- level ballet performances available to thousands all over Washington. From our staff, artists, volunteers and board to our many sponsors and donors, the NBT family works tirelessly to stay true to our vision and goals for the present and future.
"I never cease to be amazed by the level of talent we are blessed with in this fourth corner of the nation and Northwest Ballet Theater is one of the main reasons." Christopher Key, Entertainment NW
When NBT was launched in 1999, the mission was to develop a strong, classically trained
group of dancers that would create the foundation for performing the great ballets
of the 19th and 20th centuries as well as the creation of new ‘original’ ballets
that would inspire every type of audience. Under the direction of John Bishop, NBT
has more than fulfilled that mission and goal. Its rich repertoire includes all of
the great full-length ballets of the nineteenth century, such as Coppelia, The Nutcracker,
and Giselle, the finest works from the early part of this century, such as The Firebird,
Petrushka and A Mid-Summer Nights Dream, and new dramatic ballet’s including Aladdin
in 2008 and The Little Mermaid in 2010. Acquiring this extraordinary repertoire
in such a short time did not occur with ease. That is for sure! Countless hours
have been spent in and outside the walls of 1417 Cornwall Avenue in Bellingham to
bring that about. Volunteers and supporters, that are too many to count, have given
their tears, sweat and more so that these performances could be conceived and brought
those who have sought them out. The successes of NBT can be easily understood just
by observing its dancers, staff and volunteers in action during classes, rehearsals
and backstage preparation and more intimately through them in a live performance.
The simple reward comes when the NBT ‘family’ is able to share its many unique gifts
and talentswith the audience and feel appreciation and respect for what it does.
