A celebration of Ballet Northwest
Originally published on The JOLT News on August 27th, 2025
In celebration of its 55th season, Olympia’s own Ballet Northwest is creating an ambitious, dynamic and diverse program where it gets to share the stage with Masterworks Chorale Ensemble and Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia.
During this performance, the audience will get to experience famous works, such as “Carnival of Animals,” “Carmina Burana,” and pieces by Irving Berlin and more. The innovation of it all is inspiring, and I cannot wait to see how the Ballet Northwest and Johansen Olympia Dance Center alumni choreograph the event.
This performance is Oct. 11. Tickets just went on sale this week! I imagine it is going to sell out quickly, so get your ticket while you can! Tickets can be purchased here.
Conversation with Ken Johnson
Anyone who has ever met Director Ken Johnson knows just how unbelievably kind he is to everyone he meets, and how abundantly friendly, authentic and open minded he is.
Did you know that Johnson has been involved with Ballet Northwest in one way or another since he was 8 years old?
Johnson told me, “I actually grew up at the Washington Center of the Performing Arts performing Ballet Northwest’s "(The) Nutcracker," and had such a great, positive experience growing up at the dance studio.”
Once graduated, Johnson went on to dance professionally and get his bachelor’s degree in dance and arts management. Johnson met his wife, Josie Johnson, (who is co-director of Ballet Northwest) while in college, and the two bonded over their love of dance similar ballet dance studio upbringing.
The two came back to Olympia after college to work with Bud and Mary Johansen to continue their vision and build upon their legacy in Olympia.
“We worked really closely with them, and it was truly an honor to have that experience and that they entrusted us with what they built and their legacy," he said.
One crucial part of that legacy is inclusivity and body positivity.
“Bud Johansen, was known for inclusivity and welcoming and encouraging dancers of all ages, body types, and backgrounds ... he was really ahead of his time," Johnson said.
Creating a positive, nurturing, safe and healthy environment continues to be prioritized at Ballet Northwest through many efforts, including the consistent bringing in of guest mental health counselors, nutritionists and diversity consultants to work with their dancers.
In addition to their inclusivity efforts, Ballet Northwest is consistently reaching out to the community, and finding ways to break down barriers and destroy all the stereotypes surrounding ballet.
In its 2024-25 season alone, Ballet Northwest reached 12,000 kids from Olympia, North Thurston, Tumwater, Yelm and Tenino School districts through free dance residencies (learn more here).
Can you imagine 12,000 students learning about dance for what could perhaps be their first time? Their worlds opening up just a little bit more? The possibilities are endless! Ballet is important to society today.
Discussing the importance of ballet today, Johnson describes how ballet is a, “physical and mental outlet for young people, which is really critical (now more than ever). He added, “these relationships, friendships, and family are really important, critical, and special.”
There are many nuances to ballet that are easy to forget. Johnson reminded me that, “Ballet brings together so many artistic and athletic elements. Artistically, there's the dance, the music, the scenery, the costumes, the lighting, and just being in professional theatre. There's an athletic component, the physicality of dancing, the intense training, and the technical feats that the dancers accomplish.”
I have been able to attend a Ballet Northwest rehearsal in the past, and catch a glimpse of all the work that goes into a group dance, a pas de deux, or a solo. Never have I ever seen a group of people work so hard. I truly respect these artists and athletes.
The Johnsons took over in 2008 and have seen thousands of dancers over the years grow up at Ballet Northwest to start off as mice in "The Nutcracker" and work their way to soloists. After dancers graduate, they often come back and participate in some way whether that be choreographing events, dancing as guests, or cheering on current dancers from the audience.
What Ballet Northwest has created is truly special. They are a constantly growing family, and I know they would be happy to welcome you. I invite you to see how you can support and celebrate Ballet Northwest.
To purchase tickets, join a class or donate to this organization, visit the Ballet Northwest and Johansen Olympia Dance Center websites.
https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/a-celebration-of-ballet-northwest,26224