Louise Nadeau bows out of PNB

It's the end of an era of rare grace at Pacific Northwest Ballet: Principal dancer Louise Nadeau, who joined the company in 1990, will retire at the end of the season. Known for her remarkable dramatic ability (showcased in her tour de force "Swan Lake" performances two years ago), delicate line and sensitive musicality, she has long been an audience favorite.

"She is that rare thing: a lyrical ballerina — she really breathes music," said artistic director Peter Boal.

Nadeau, who will turn 45 this spring, plans to perform on McCaw Hall's stage in the season's remaining programs, including the upcoming George Balanchine evening, "Jewels" (Jan. 29- Feb. 7). The company has designated the season's final performance on June 7 as "A Celebration of Louise Nadeau." Boal said that Nadeau would perform excerpts that evening from two trademark ballets: Balanchine's "La Valse" and Kent Stowell's "Swan Lake."

Additionally, Boal announced that an endowment fund has been established by PNB board member Dr. Joe Norman, in Nadeau's name. The fund will match donations up to $100,000, and will be used primarily to facilitate the presentation of Balanchine's ballets. With PNB, Nadeau danced leading roles in nearly two dozen of the choreographer's works.

Nadeau, a native of Long Island, New York, danced with Switzerland's Basel Ballet and the Kansas City Ballet before joining PNB as a soloist. She was promoted to principal in 1992.

Tickets for "Jewels" (Nadeau is tentatively scheduled to perform Jan. 29, Jan. 31 and Feb. 5) and for "A Celebration of Louise Nadeau" are available through www.pnb.org or the company box office at 301 Mercer St., Seattle; 206-441-2424.

Moira Macdonald: 206-464-2725 or mmacdonald@seattletimes.com