(exciting music) - I'm Paris Jackson in the Crosscut KCTS 9 newsroom.

Seattle's long running ballet company is embarking on its 51st season, and this year's lineup features the most racially-diverse group of dancers yet.

In mid-September, the Pacific Northwest Ballet will debut their new season.

In recent years PNB has been working hard to diversify the company, both in terms of dancers and choreographers presented on stage.

The mandate for change comes from the top, but energetic young dancers are pushing that change forward too.

PNB's current roster boasts 45 dancers expanding to 47 in November.

And now, more than 50% identify as people of color.

Dancers wear shoes and tights that match their skin tones and sometimes black dancers free their hair from the traditional buns.

Audiences are noticing the shift in diverse representation.

Converge Media, an outlet that covers Seattle's Black community says PNB is setting a precedent in the industry that's impressive and notable.

PNB is also working to present more works choreographed by women.

I'm Paris Jackson, find nonprofit northwest news every day on crosscut.com.

(exciting music)