‘Jewels’ @ Pacific Northwest Ballet

For those unfamiliar with the world of ballet, “Jewels” is neither an action thriller set in South Africa (that’s “Blood Diamond”), nor the tale of a gambling American jeweler (that’s “Uncut Gems”). In fact, George Balanchine’s “Jewels” isn’t about jewels at all, though that makes this exciting ballet performance no less dazzling. ✨

Famed in the ballet sphere since its creation at the New York City Ballet in 1967, “Jewels” is an abstract trio of ballets, each set to different music.

💎 “Emeralds” features pieces of Gabriel Fauré’s Pelléas et Mélisande and Shylock and evokes French elegance.

💎 “Rubies” is set to Stravinsky’s Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra and brings the glamor and jazz of America.

💎 “Diamonds” uses four different movements from Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 3 in D major and recalls the grandeur of Balanchine’s native St. Petersburg.

Separated by intermissions, each act is connected by a perfect assortment of quintessential Balanchine choreography.

But if you’re wondering where the jewels come in, they’re impossible to miss in the glittering scenic and costume design by Jérôme Kaplan. While each act features dramatically different costumes, every tutu, tiara and tunic are utterly bedecked with gems. Pacific Northwest Ballet created nearly 80 new costumes for “Jewels,” using more than the length of two football fields worth of tulle and thousands upon thousands of crystals hand sewn onto skirts and bodices.

It’s a shining, shimmering spectacle of splendor.

Pacific Northwest Ballet celebrates ballet excellence with thrilling dance performances at McCaw Hall, dance training and more.