Provided to the QAM News
Whim W'Him Seattle Contemporary Dance is thrilled to announce the opening of the Whim W'Him Contemporary Dance Center, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and excellence in contemporary dance.
Classes and programming began on Jan. 8. Whim W’Him will host an open house weekend in early February, welcoming the community into the space for a series of special events, performances and free classes.
The Whim W'Him Contemporary Dance Center is set to become a hub for Seattle area dance enthusiasts, professionals, and the community alike. With spacious, purpose-built studios equipped with cutting-edge technology, the center aims to provide an inspiring environment for dancers to hone their craft and push the boundaries of contemporary dance.
Founded in 2009, Whim W’Him has presented world-class professional contemporary dance in theaters and public spaces throughout the Seattle area. With the opening of the Whim W’Him Contemporary Dance Center, the company will have a permanent creative space.
Founder and Artistic Director Olivier Wevers expressed excitement about the new facility, stating, “The opening of the Contemporary Dance Center marks a significant milestone for Whim W'Him. It is a space where dancers can explore their artistic voices, collaborate on groundbreaking projects, and contribute to the evolution of contemporary dance.
“It also provides a much-needed space for Seattle artists. We look forward to supporting other dance organizations with subsidized and free studio rentals and offering educational programming to provide access to our dancers’ vast knowledge.”
The Whim W’Him Contemporary Dance Center will provide access to dance education and experiences for movement enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels. The faculty, made up of the members of Whim W’Him’s professional company and esteemed Seattle dance teachers, will offer classes in a variety of dance styles, including contemporary, ballet, hip-hop, creative movement, improvisation, and more. The Center will also host classes from other organizations in Seattle, including Dance Church and Tai Chi Seattle. Whim W’Him also offers a financial aid program to reduce barriers to experiencing dance through scholarships.
The Community Open House Weekend will feature a series of in-studio showings, featuring the versatility and creativity that Whim W'Him is known for. Community organizations and artists will also be invited to present their work in the space. Free, shortened classes will also be offered to sample the wide range of educational programming at the Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness and experience firsthand the passion and dedication that define Whim W'Him’s mission, vision, and values.
The Whim W'Him Contemporary Dance Center represents a commitment to advancing the art form and engaging with the community. Through classes, workshops, and community programs, the center aims to make dance accessible to all, fostering a love for movement and self- expression.
To learn more, visit whimwhim.org/dancecenter.