Peter Boal's first season at PNB features a number of works new to the company but already proven in the world of dance: several major Balanchine pieces (including "Jewels"), 20th-century classics by Jerome Robbins and Twyla Tharp, and signature pieces by contemporary choreographers such as Susan Marshall.

The lineup:

"Director's Choice," Sept. 22-Oct. 2: Two famed collaborations by Balanchine and composer Igor Stravinsky — "Duo Concertant" and "Symphony in Three Movements" — presented alongside Robbins' "In the Night" (a series of duets to Chopin) and the return of William Forsythe's "Artifact II."

"PNB Past, Present & Future," Nov. 3-13: Three returning ballets — Balanchine's grand "Concerto Barocco," Nacho Duato's "Jardi Tancat" and Kent Stowell's "Hail to the Conquering Hero" — plus a world premiere by young, German-born talent Marco Goecke.

"Nutcracker," Nov. 25-Dec. 28: The Kent Stowell/Maurice Sendak collaboration returns.

"Valentine," Feb. 2-12, 2006: Four PNB premieres, including Richard Tanner's "Ancient Airs and Dances," set to music by Ottorino Respighi; Susan Marshall's airborne duet "Kiss"; Ulysses Dove's "Red Angels"; and Twyla Tharp's audience-pleasing "Nine Sinatra Songs."

"Points of View," March 16-26, 2006: Two returning ballets — Balanchine's "La Valse" and Val Caniparoli's "The Bridge" — share billing with a world premiere by French-Canadian choreographer Dominique Dumais.

"The Sleeping Beauty," April 13-23, 2006: An audience favorite — the full-length story ballet staged by the Royal Ballet's Ronald Hynd (who also choreographed "The Merry Widow," opening this Thursday at PNB).

"Jewels," June 2-12, 2006: Three revered, plotless works by Balanchine — "Emeralds," Rubies" and "Diamonds" — performed collectively under the title "Jewels."

The opening night gala will introduce Boal and several of the new pieces in the repertoire. Tickets, starting at $60, go on sale March 28. Information: 206-441-2424 or www.pnb.org.

Lynn Jacobson, Seattle Times assistant A&E editor