This week we are pleased to welcome Patricia Barker, Artistic Director of Grand Rapids Ballet and former Pacific Northwest Ballet Principal Dancer.  Patricia began her ballet training in Richland, WA and later studied at the Boston Ballet School and the Pacific Northwest Ballet School.  Patricia is regarded as one of the world’s most gifted ballerinas dancing with PNB for 25 years, and as a principal for two decades. After retiring from the stage in 2007, she took over the reigns at Grand Rapids Ballet in 2010  .  Today we talk with Patricia about what it was like to be PNB’s real homegrown star, how she aquired international recognition, who had the most impact on her career, and the work she is doing now at Grand Rapids Ballet.