Why PNB's ‘Giselle’ is the Artistic Culture Shock Seattle Needs
Seattle, we need to talk about what’s about to go down at McCaw Hall with Pacific Northwest Ballet. If you're looking for where the intersection of raw history, athletic power, and absolute spectral drama lives this spring, you need to pull up to Pacific Northwest Ballet's production of Giselle, running April 10 through April 19, 2026.
This isn't just another night at the ballet. This is PNB digging into the source code of 19th-century art to bring us something authentically haunting and incredibly relevant.
We love a good remix, but sometimes you have to respect the original recipe. PNB's Artistic Director Peter Boal didn't mess around with this production. He collaborated with deep-dive historians, using original French manuscripts and archival notation to reconstruct Giselle as it was seen in the 1840s.
PNB’s Giselle leans into the characters' vampire-like origins. These are the spectral, vengeful spirits of women betrayed before their wedding days. They rise from the fog with one purpose: to dance any man they find to his death. It’s dark and beautiful imagery and movement you won't forget.
Giselle runs from April 10 through April 19 at McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St, Seattle.
Friday, April 17 is the "Pay What You Can" performance (7:30 PM). These tickets must be purchased in person at the McCaw Hall box office on the day of the show. Grab your people and get there early.
Show up early for Pre-Performance Ballet Talks (free with your ticket, starting one hour before curtain) to get your mind right before the curtain rises.
Get your tickets here.
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