The stunning turns of departing Pacific Northwest Ballet dancers Price Suddarth, Cecilia Iliesiu, and Miles Pertl in the 2025 Encore program was indeed bittersweet—a last chance to see their virtuosic dancing on stage, at the same time knowing that each would be embracing new career opportunities. Iliesiu is seeking a graduate degree in arts management at Duke University, Suddarth and his partner Emma Love Suddarth are starting a multimedia contemporary ballet company, and Pertl is focusing on his cross-disciplinary non-profit Damfino Arts.
In a real sense, the program showcased the best of PNB—choreographic world premieres (Eva Stone’s Cavalier), a return of arguably one of the most gripping pieces in its repertory (Crystal Pite’s Emergence), and treasured Balanchine favorites, Diamonds, in a first-time role for the confident and elegant Iliesiu. Suddarth’s work in Dawn Patrol was a combination of charm and power, and Miles Pertil’s solo was exemplary of his gorgeous dancing, poise, and humor. Viewing the brilliantly-executed Emergence once again, I still marvel at its characterization, suspense, and spectacle.
