Pacific Northwest Ballet closed its highly successful 2005-2006 season with George Balanchine’s lustrous full length ballet “Jewels.”

From the moment the curtain rose on a group of dancers in mint green costumes, set against a soft green backdrop framed by rich cream colored draperies, the audience knew they were in for a special treat.

Viewers “oohed” and “aahed” in response to this lovely picture, which then vividly came to life at the first sounds of composer Gabriel Faure’s romantic music. “Emeralds,” the opening segment of “Jewels” is an elegant piece, full of light and airy movements. Dancers shimmered in their frothy sherbet attire, as they executed Balanchine’s clean and pure lines.

In the two pas de deux, Carla Korbes and Casey Herd, along with Ariana Lallone and Karel Cruz, displayed eloquence and grace as they performed Balanchine’s gentle, unhurried steps. Mara Vinson, Benjamin Griffiths and Maria Chapman shone in the pas de trios with their fluid, liquid movements.

“Emeralds” is a lovely, intimate work that conveys a sweet sense of serenity.

On the other hand, “Rubies,” a Stravinsky/Balanchine masterwork, is sharp-edged and jazzy hot. Dancers, attired in crimson, moved with an almost reckless abandon as they ran, kicked and performed a variety of angular-shaped movements with flair.

Hips jutted and shimmied, wrists flicked and twisted, while feet flexed and stomped in spirited exuberance. There was glamour, wit and chic to this crowd pleaser and the dancers, especially Noelani Pantastico and Olivier Wevers, were larger than life and exhilarating to watch. The pair was a dynamic duo with a sparkling chemistry to match.

The final segment of “Jewels” is “Diamonds,” a Balanchine showpiece set to music by Tchaikovsky that pays tribute to 19th century Russian ballet tradition. In glittering white costumes, dancers conveyed all the pomp and majesty of this regal number. They radiated delicate lyricism and captured the magic and glow of true gems.

Of particular note were Carrie Imler and Batkhurel Bold, who danced the dramatic pas de deux with poetic expression. Bold’s airborne leaps, turns and rapid-fire spins drew a collective gasp of awe from the audience and Imler’s impeccable lines, arabesques and pirouettes were equally impressive.

The ballet concluded with a festive grand parade that had the entire cast of 34 dancers on stage performing in symmetrical perfection. It was another moment of many to treasure in this evening of enchanting entertainment. PNB’s 2006-2007 season promises an array of imaginative and artistic performances by a wide variety of choreographers, including William Forsythe, Jerome Robbins, Peter Martins, Twyla Tharp, Nacho Duato, Mark Morris and more. For information, call (206) 441-2424 or visit: www.pnb.org.