About Us
One of the most exciting ballet companies in the United States, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre has built a legacy of excellence and innovation since 1969.
The company’s eclectic style and irrepressible energy have been shaped by a series of distinguished artistic directors over five decades. In the 1980s, former New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Patricia Wilde led the company to new heights and national acclaim with an emphasis on virtuosic technique and works by the modern masters, including her mentor, George Balanchine. From 1997 to 2020, the company flourished under the direction of Terrence S. Orr, former American Ballet Theatre ballet master and principal dancer. Mr. Orr created a powerful repertoire, including fresh versions of traditional ballets, original works commissioned to contemporary American music and dramatic works that push the boundaries of ballet as an art form.
In June 2020, Susan Jaffe, a former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer became PBT’s seventh artistic director. Jaffe’s two-year role as artistic director was marked by a new version of Swan Lake and the creation of the Fireside Nutcracker during the COVID-19 pandemic. The latter of which won three Telly Awards. In May 2022, Jaffe announced that she would leave PBT to become the next artistic director of American Ballet Theatre.
In March 2023, Adam W. McKinney became Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s (PBT) seventh artistic director and first artistic director of color. McKinney has a diverse and accomplished background in arts leadership across the globe, having served as an arts organization director, tenured professor, choreographer, dancer, educator and activist. He is a gifted teacher of classical ballet, whose expertise lies in creating environments that support the training and development of artists. McKinney will continue the legacy of his predecessors by centering classical ballet repertoire as well as introducing new contemporary works and choreographers to Pittsburgh audiences. He is looking forward to being active in both the dance and Pittsburgh communities, as well as helping to make dance accessible to everyone.
Vision
To unleash ballet’s vast potential to enrich lives.
Mission
To be Pittsburgh’s source and ambassador for extraordinary ballet experiences that give life to the classical tradition, nurture new ideas and, above all, inspire.
Diversity Statement
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is committed to increasing equity, access and opportunity in the art of ballet. We believe that bringing together people with diverse perspectives, histories and life experiences will make ballet richer, stronger and more innovative — resulting in vibrant experiences for all.
Values
Communication
Effective communication empowers people and demonstrates respect and trust. We listen to understand and share information clearly, authentically, and in a timely way so that we can collectively understand, align, and act.
Collaboration
We celebrate that we all have value, are capable, and are responsible for the success of the organization. We strengthen our team and results through shared purpose, open dialogue, and by equipping people with agency and resources to do their best work.
Sustainability
We steward resources with care and make thoughtful choices about how time, money, and effort are used for the longevity of the organization and its people. We make plans with the future in mind.
Professional Pride
We operate with integrity and always strive for excellence. Details matter in the way we work and the experiences we create. If we believe something can be made better, we put in the effort to make it great.
Hospitality
With every action, we welcome and care for people across our organization and community with dignity, kindness, and the utmost respect. We strive to make everyone feel valued and confident about their experiences at PBT.