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For Every Swan, A Song: A Farewell to Pacific Northwest Ballet's Patricia Barker
by Dean Speer
I’ve been dreading Patricia Barker’s “Farewell” event for awhile. Now that it’s nearly upon us, I’m strengthening my resolve to courageously meet and greet the passing of her talent from the Pacific Northwest Ballet boards. Each time someone leaves the stage, it’s a loss to the art and to the greater public, regardless of the reason(s) for doing so.
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Pacific Northwest Ballet - 'Jewels'
by Dean Speer --June 3 and 9, 2006, McCaw Hall, Seattle
Pacific Northwest Ballet’s premiere of Balanchine’s full-length abstract ballet “Jewels” presented two diamonds... One brightly burning and nearing the conclusion of her performance career – Patricia Baker – and another making her first forays into the Van Cleef and Arpels-inspired role – Carla Körbes.
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Talking with PNB Soloist Mara Vinson
by Dean Speer and Francis Timlin
I’ve enjoyed working with Nicolo Fonte, Val Caniparoli. It’s nice to have new and different stagers...I got to work with the very special Freddie (Frederic) Franklin here while he and Francia worked on re-constructing Balanchine’s “Raymonda” for the Balanchine Restoration Project. He’s in his 90s and simply amazing. Full of energy and demonstrating everything.
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Pacific Northwest Ballet - 'Nutcracker'
by Dean Speer -- November 24, 2006, McCaw Hall, Seattle, Washington
Now in its 24th year, this PNB holiday offering continues to delight audiences of all ages and to astonish repeat goers. Opening night audiences certainly got an “A” cast with Louise Nadeau as the adult Clara and Olivier Wevers as her dashing prince. Both were elegant and strong for their respective variations...
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Pacific Northwest Ballet - 'Swan Lake'
by Dean Speer -- February 3, 2007, McCall Hall, Seattle, Washington

Pacific Northwest Ballet - All Premiere Program
by Dean Speer -- November 4, 2006, McCaw Hall, Seattle, Washington

Pacific Northwest Ballet: Director's Choice - 'Fancy Free,' 'In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated,' 'Theme and Variations'
by Dean Speer -- September 21, 23, 2006, Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, Seattle

Pacific Northwest Ballet - 'Sleeping Beauty'
by Dean Speer -- April 14-15, 2006, McCaw Hall, Seattle, Washington

Pacific Northwest Ballet - Points of View Repertory Program
by Dean Speer -- March 18, 2006, McCaw Hall, Seattle, Washington

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Patricia Barker Tribute
"It was magical, almost like a dream. Patricia Barker was brilliant... She just danced her heart out and left us all in tears..."
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Pacific Northwest Ballet: Celebrate Seattle Festival
"I’m really pleased that PNB has taken the step to be a presenter as well as a producer of dance art of the Northwest. “Celebrate Seattle” does just that and provided a fresh venue for the richness of both our dance heritage and of our present and future."
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Pacific Northwest Ballet: March 2007 Mixed Repertory Program
"Körbes, in one of the central female roles, really got into her character, and was so “into it” that even during the bows, it was clear to me that she was still coming back to present day Seattle. One of the most captivating performances I’ve recently enjoyed."
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Pacific Northwest Ballet: Swan Lake (February 2007)
"In a review published by one of Seattle’s daily newspapers, a critic complains about amplification of the orchestra in McCaw Hall. I have it from the conductor’s own mouth, that this is not true. What microphones we may see are only there to provide a sound feed to backstage."
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Pacific Northwest Ballet: 2006-07 Season
"The eight dancers in Paul Gibson's "The Piano Dance" did very well to showcase the company at the Fall for Dance Festival at City Center in NYC. Louise Nadeau especially seemed to have impressed the NY audience."
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