Last week I had the opportunity to attend a fascinating studio rehearsal for Pacific Northwest Ballet’s new production of Coppelia in honor of past PNB board member, Microsoftee, and friend, Brady Richardson who passed away a year ago from cancer. We all still miss Brady! His wife, Sharon, in the purple dress in photos above hosted the studio rehearsal in his honor and invited those of us that had donated to PNB in Brady’s name to join her.
A studio rehearsal is always the most interesting opportunity to see dancers at work, because you can really see how hard they are working. They are close enough that you hear their loud breathing from the exhausting, athletic moves that they are making. Plus, you can see how hard their muscles are working as the men lift the women, etc. while making it all look effortless and graceful. Brady and Sharon have both been very active supporters of PNB and many of the dancers have been invited to their home on a regular basis.
Sharon continues to actively support PNB and has been an active and involved member of PNB STARS, the womens’ auxillary group that raises money for PNB as well as provides educational opportunities. The top photo is of several of the STARS members who attended the rehearsal including Susie Ostrander, Carrie Lee, Amy Andersen, Lisa Hanna, Sharon Richardson and Cindy Lee.
Jordan Pacitti, in the 2nd and 3rd photos above, a PNB Corps de Ballet dancer and audience favorite, who is retiring at the end of this season, is dancing the role of Dr. Coppelius, in several of the upcoming ballet performances this week and next.
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