Top 10 Ballet Photos of 2016-2017

It wasn’t easy to whittle down material from nearly 50 performances to just top 10 ballet photos, but we were able to assemble a short list of shots that left a lasting imprint on our imaginations. Captured in the studio, on stage and behind the scenes, these images represent our favorite photographic memories of the 2016-2017 Season. Enjoy!

Top 10 ballet photos of 2016-2017
Artists: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Corps de Ballet dancers | Photo by: Kelly Perkovich

This was one of the first photos taken in Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s brand-new Byham Center for a dance, a two-studio annex building at PBT Studios in the Strip District. Here, company members are settling into their bright new rehearsal studio.

Top 10 ballet photos of 2016-2017
Artists: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Principal Julia Erickson and the Corps de Ballet | Photo by: Rich Sofranko

We love this atmospheric shot from PBT’s redesigned Giselle, which opened the season in October. Here, the “Wilis” move in their signature arabesque formation, while their queen, Myrtha (danced by Julia Erickson), commands center stage. The thick forest and full moon of Peter Farmer’s new scenic designs add even more dimension.

Top 10 ballet photos of 2016-2017
Artist: Yoshiaki Nakano | Photo by: Rich Sofranko

As Yoshiaki Nakano sails over the flowers, he seems to symbolize the effervecense of PBT’s magical The Nutcracker, which celebrated its 15th anniversary this season.

Top 10 ballet photos of 2016-2017
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School students Grace Bond (left) and Eden Lewis (right) | Photo by: Kelly Perkovich

This top 10 ballet photo was captured right after the September ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Byham Center for Dance. As they watch PBT dancers rehearse in the new Ryan Studio, PBT School students Grace Bond and Eden Lewis illustrate the special connection between the company and school, where aspiring dancers see their role models at work every day.

Top 10 ballet photos of 2016-2017
Artist: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Principal Julia Erickson & the PBT Corps de Ballet | Photo by: Rich Sofranko

The Queen of Hearts, danced by Julia Erickson, is seeing red in this shot from PBT’s February production of Derek Deane’s Alice in Wonderland. This scene in particular, complete with playing-card tutus, leaps off the stage with its brilliant character acting and crisp Corps de Ballet dancing.

Top 10 ballet photos of 2016-2017
Artists: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Principal Alexandra Kochis & former Principal Christopher Budzynski | Photo by: Aimee DiAndrea

This shot made our top 10 ballet photos of 2016-2017 thanks to an intimate angle captured from the wings. Here, the ghostly Wilis of Giselle separate ill-fated lovers Giselle and Albrecht, danced by real-life husband and wife Alexandra Kochis and Christopher Budzynski. This production marked the final performance of Budzynski’s ballet career and the last time the husand-and-wife duo would share the stage.

Top 10 ballet photos of 2016-2017
Artist: Julia Erickson | Photo by: Aimee DiAndrea

We can’t get enough of our new studios, especially when Principal Julia Erickson is sailing through the air in this gorgeous emerald-green costume from George Balanchine’s iconic Jewels.

Top 10 ballet photos of 2016-2017
 Artists: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre dancers Diana Yohe & Corey Bourbonniere | Photo by: Rich Sofranko

The extension and intentsity of this photo from Dwight Rhoden’s Ave Maria, part of the March mixed repertory collaboration with Dance Theatre of Harlem, made it an instant pick for our top 10 ballet photos of 2016-2017. Plus, hats off to PBT dancer Diana Yohe, who received a promotion to soloist in recognition of her brilliant performances this season.

Top 10 ballet photos of 2016-2017
 Artists: Alexandra Kochis & Luca Sbrizzi | Photo by: Aimee DiAndrea

There’s nothing quite like sitting in on a working studio rehearsal. You can see every expression the dancers make,  hear each breath they draw and see the muscle behind the movement they make look so effortless. Here, Alexandra Kochis and Luca Sbrizzi  rehearse for the title roles of Romeo and Juliet, and made it difficult to leave the studio with dry eyes.

Top 10 ballet photos of 2016-2017
Artists: Amanda Cochrane & Yoshiako Nakano | Photo by: Rich Sofranko

Seen here onstage, Romeo and Juliet ended the 2016-2017 Season on an “emotional high.” The scenery was exquisite and the score is a masterpiece unto itself. But the dancing and acting, portrayed here by Yoshiaki Nakano and Amanda Cochrane, were enough to reduce us to tears.

Make more photographic memories next season! Don’t miss a banner season, featuring Dracula, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, PBT: New Works and UPMC Presents West Side Story Suite + In the Night! Learn more here.