Pacific Northwest Ballet's ALL THARP performance may be your one shot to see a ballerina footing it across the stage of McCaw Hall in daisy dukes. We suggest you check it out. Not only because of the aforementioned denim booty shorts, although that's a boon, but because Twyla Tharp's showcase highlights one of the most famous examples of crossover ballet, the intermixing of classical and modern, and for us, a nice bridge between the streets and the marquee. A chance to see how hip-hop, folk, contemporary and traditional movement all combine into a night of physical ephemeralness, it's an absolutely wonderful way to spend an evening.
PNB's ALL THARP, It's ALL GOOD
Can't Miss It: Thursday
IT’S JUST WHAT WE ALWAYS WANTED: The bad news is Pioneer Square just lost a chunk of its soul the size of The Complete Miss Marple. The good news is Elliott Bay Bookstore is coming to Capitol Hill! It’s a big day for the 36-year-old bookstore, which announced its upcoming move yesterday. The news makes tonight’s Season’s Readings event one not to miss. Publishers will gather to share their book recommendations in a night sure to be filled with holiday joy and maybe a few tearful goodbyes.
Get Out Saturday: Ballet Critic Greskovic Keeps It Simple
Pacific Northwest Ballet has been putting on a terrific series of educational events the last few weeks: there was the Twyla Tharp-narrated rehearsal of her two new works, and then Doug Fullington gave us firsthand foreign policy experience by showing us real Russian choreography.
PNB Makes It Three from Twyla Tharp
Tomorrow night the "All Tharp" program begins at Pacific Northwest Ballet (and runs through October 5--tickets here).
Deftly Folded: Contemporary Classics at PNB
Seattlest went to the opening night of Pacific Northwest Ballet's Contemporary Classics last night for two favorites: Kiss and Caught. PNB has wisely brought these two pieces into it's repertory fold, continuing to signal Artistic Director Peter Boal's commitment to exploring choreography that is traditionally outside the realm of most ballet companies. Overall, PNB rose regally to the challenge.
Get Out
The Grand Illusion is screening a film on Japanese architecture tonight called Kochuu. "Kochuu, which translates as “in the jar,” refers to the Japanese tradition of constructing small, enclosed physical spaces, which create the impression of a separate universe." Plays at 7:30 and 9pm.
Most Beautiful Thing Ever
We could die happy now. Seattlest went to Pacific Northwest Ballet’s “Valentine” performance last Friday. We wish we’d gone earlier, so we could tell you about it in time for you to go as well, since Sunday was the last performance. Ostensibly, we purchased the tickets because Valentine was billed as a more contemporary collection of dances from PNB, and we’re not much for the usual ballet stuff with the tutus and the tiaras and the traditional classical scores. We were most excited for a collection of duets choreographed by one of our favorite modern dancers, Twyla Tharp, set to a variety of Frank Sinatra songs. Good, solid romantic stuff.
Stalk of the Town
Will the beautiful weather stick around for our weekend? If it does, plans may change and you may see us prancing through various municipal parks. As of now, however, here's how the weekend's shaking out.

