The Sleeping Beauty awakens this spring in its full glory with ballet and music for four performances during Mother’s Day weekend. Ballet Northwest is thrilled to bring back the costumes, luscious scenery, and a full company of 75 dancers at the Washington Center. “The ballet holds a special place in our hearts,” says Ken Johnson, co-artistic director. In the early 90s, Bud Johansen, the co-founder and man who led Ballet Northwest, choreographed it to become a springtime favorite. “It was the first ballet that Josie (co-artistic director) and I choreographed in the 2008-2009 season,” he adds.
“The set is stunning with a stained-glass window effect in the castle and a chandelier,” Johnson explains. Ballet Northwest created a film version in 2020 with COVID limitations in place. Audiences and dancers have waited eight years for a full-on performance. “We are excited!” Johnson exclaims.
Ballet Northwest is celebrating its 55th anniversary. Community members, supporters, alumni, and dancers can attend a commemorative party at the Uptown Grill after the Saturday matinee. “It will be a chance for us to visit and catch up in a more relaxed setting,” says Johnson.
Ballet Northwest promotes and teaches the art of dance throughout southwest Ballet Northwest Celebrates 55 Years and Welcomes Back Sleeping Beauty Washington. “Our outreach program has grown. We provide hundreds of free tickets to under-served families,” notes Johnson. Ballet Northwest goes into area schools offering free introductory dance classes and also provides financial aid to local dancers for summer camps and other dance expenses.
The performing company of Ballet Northwest is for intermediate and advanced dancers who are 12 years and older. Dancers from toddlers to seniors can enroll at classes at Johansen Olympia Dance Center.
“We are a big family,” Johnson says. Some dancers in the company began when they were very young. Others have grown up, moved away, danced professionally, and returned. “It’s a fun makeup and nice mix of different backgrounds and people.”
Support from local sponsors keeps these vital programs ongoing. Season sponsors include Capital Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electric; Timberland Bank; Fieldstone Memory Care; Inspire Olympia; Cowlitz Indian Tribe; and the Nisqually Indian Tribe. Productions sponsors include Dr. Andrew J. Kapust, Olympic Dermatology, OlyFed, and South Sound Solar.
The Sleeping Beauty
Friday-Sunday, May 9-11, 2025
Washington Center for the Performing Arts
512 Washington St SE, Olympia
balletnorthwest.org
BY MARY ELLEN PSALTIS