Peter Boal with Jackson Cooper

Serving as a platform for fostering a deeper understanding of ballet’s impact on contemporary culture, Boal’s insights into the creative process, his role in shaping Pacific Northwest Ballet’s repertoire, and his dedication to nurturing emerging talents within the dance community offer attendees the chance to gain insights into the dedication and discipline required in ballet, as well as the broader artistic influences that have shaped Peter Boal’s journey.

Whether one is an ardent ballet aficionado or simply curious about the world of dance, this event is poised to offer an enriching experience for all.

Peter Boal is the Artistic Director of Pacific Northwest Ballet and Director of Pacific Northwest Ballet School. Born in Bedford, New York, he received his training at the School of American Ballet while performing children’s roles with New York City Ballet. George Balanchine invited Boal to join the company as an apprentice in 1983, and he continued to dance for NYCB until his retirement in 2005. He has staged works by Balanchine, Ulysses Dove, and Jerome Robbins for PNB, PNB School, and other companies. His memoir, Illusions of Camelot, was released in 2023.

Jackson Cooper is a nationally recognized queer arts leader who currently serves as the Major Gifts Manager at Pacific Northwest Ballet and a member of their Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility committee. In addition to his role at the ballet, Cooper serves as an Adjunct Professor for Seattle University’s Arts Leadership program. Cooper is an accomplished writer, with two upcoming publications: A Kids Book About Kindness which comes out this year and a book on fundraising through Columbia Business School Press due out in 2026.

Presented by Town Hall Seattle.