The program for the Pacific Northwest Ballet's season opener sought to communicate one thing: Yes, we've all struggled with the worst shit imaginable lately, and we will continue to struggle, but it's our 50th birthday, god damn it, and we're big and bold and beautiful and bouncing around with more energy than we've ever had in our lives!!!!!!!! 🥳 🥂 That sentiment found its expression in a spritely rendition of a Modern classic, a mournful and yet exuberant world premiere celebrating the people of Ukraine, and a bawdy epic featuring a one-ton metaphor for fate. Most of the dancers met the energy of the moment, which bodes well for the next few shows, and for the future of the company in the time of COVID.