Local dance troupe Whim W’him presents its latest trio of new works, Outspoken, starting this Friday, June 3 at The Cornish Playhouse. The three choreographers of these premieres are Whim W’him founder and artistic director, Olivier Wevers, Montreal-based James Gregg, and one of my personal favorites, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, who has already made three pieces for the company (all of which were brilliant, eclectic and heartfelt).
Whim W’him’s fusion of ballet and contemporary dance movement at its outset has made it well-suited to experimentation with various choreographers, whose work with the company is often fast-paced and experimental. The results can reflect this for better or worse, but there is never a question regarding the talent of the dancers and the company’s overall commitment to supporting new talents in the dance world, near and far. I never know quite what I am going to see when I attend a Whim W’him premiere, but I know the movement will be beautiful.
The only hints dropped about Wevers’ new work (his last original choreography for the company this season) is that he is working with local artist Dylan Ward to “remix” Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, so there is certainly going to be a contemporary spin on ballet, true to the company’s roots.
Update (Monday, June 6): The June 4 performance was canceled because of illness. A make up performance has been scheduled for this Thursday, June 9.
Whim W’him Outspoken
When: June 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 at 8pm
Where: The Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center (201 Mercer St)
$25 advance, $30 at the door. $15 student rush. Get tickets online.
