Review: Ballet Northwest presents ‘Swan Lake’
Originally published on The JOLT News on May 12, 2026
I have seen multiple ballets performed at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts stage throughout the years with local and international companies alike creating magic on stage. A couple of years ago, I even got to see Pacific Northwest Ballet’s “Swan Lake” in Seattle.
All performances considered, Ballet Northwest’s rendition of “Swan Lake” was superior to every ballet I have ever seen.
The only flaw was that this show was only offered for one weekend!
The review
As the curtains were drawn back, a world of pure imagination was revealed. Jill Carter‘s set design was unbelievably stunning. Gazing upon this dreamy set felt like stepping into a fairytale, one I did not want to leave. The sparkling of the costumes in the light added to the ethereal quality of this production.
The camaraderie among the dancers on stage was inspiring, and their trust and genuine enjoyment of one another was contagious.
Naturally, there were a few special dancers that caught my eye. The following dancers performed in such a way that looked like they were fulfilling their magnum opus:
Grace Collins was the perfect Odette. Just as her name suggests, she was entirely graceful on stage and added a gentle but passionate air to her character. Every movement and facial expression were in tune with her character's feelings, even making me emotional at times. Collins has a long and vibrant career and ballet ahead of her.
I have met Ivy Nakauye and witnessed her natural kindness and sweetness, which is so opposite of the character she played. Nakauye’s Black Swan was mischievous, deceitful, sassy and elegant all at once, making both her acting in dancing capabilities very advanced.
Just as I told directors Ken and Josie Johnson during intermission, I was impressed by the charisma and talent of all the male dancers in the company. Eamon Barry-Ware, Felix Stone and Colin Tudor specifically brought a level of professionalism, skill level and fluidity to their movements that I have seen in professional dancers like James Kirby Rogers and Jonathan Batista.
With many years of dance ahead of them, I look forward to seeing how they redefine and elevate their own high standards over time. Skies the limit!
Mark your calendars and make a plan to attend all the events Ballet Northwest is offering next season, including the Young Choreographers Showcase on Aug. 22, "The Nutcracker" from Dec. 11-20, the Olympia Dance Festival Feb. 27, 2027, and "Don Quixote" next Mother’s Day weekend.
Personal reflections
Every year I attend Ballet Northwest's Mother’s Day weekend ballet. I always happen to attend on the night where Ballet Northwest honors their high school seniors and tells the audience about each of their plans for the future.
This year, Ballet Northwest celebrated 11 senior students: Jahnavi Baldini, Grace Collins, Fiona Davis, Westley Graf, Rowan Morgan-Pomush, Kara Nelson, Hannah Ralston, Sydney Smith, Phio Tashiro, Kate Watters and Verite Yanasak.
Some of these dancers plan to continue their training and seek a professional career, but others plan to pursue other careers, many in STEM. I find this very encouraging. Here’s why:
The students at Ballet Northwest prove that the arts are for everyone and enhance everyone’s lives. Being an artist does not have to become a full-time career to prove its importance in individual lives and the health of our society. In short, the boxes the system tries to put everyone in just can’t fit any individual’s holistic potential.
The Washington State Board of Education has plans to reduce, if not eliminate, arts requirements in “Future Ready” high school graduation requirements. You know what this means, budget cuts, potential job losses, and the greatest consequence of all — reduction in what arts opportunities are available to students.
As members of our community, it is our responsibility to advocate for the well-being of all students, providing as many opportunities as possible with a variety of diverse options for their arts education.
Arts requirements benefit even the students who have zero interest in the arts because they establish a certain sense of determination, an ability to cooperate and collaborate with peers, and express themselves. These are all the skills we need to be good citizens. The mental health benefits remain endless.
Supporting local organizations like Ballet Northwest is vital during these times because they may become the only places our students can learn to express themselves.
Do not let these profound and important art forms die with this generation. Join me in submitting a comment to the board on the importance of arts education. This is the easiest and most direct way to be an advocate right now.
What you write does not need to be perfect; it just needs to speak the truth. Click here to submit your comment now!
https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/review-ballet-northwest-presents-swan-lake,29115