Event

Whim W'Him: Shadows, Raincoats & Monsters

Whim W'Him, the critically acclaimed young Seattle dance company led by Olivier Wevers, will kick-off its second season with a trio of provocative dance collaborations including "Cylindrical Shadows" a new work by internationally acclaimed European choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. The performances will also include two premieres, "Monster" and "This Is Not A Raincoat" choreographed by Wevers, Whim W'Him's Artistic Director and Principal Dancer/Pacific Northwest Ballet.

Ochoa's work explores the emotions associated with instantaneous loss and death. An original score created by David Van Bouwel will set the backdrop for this compelling piece.

The spark for the collaboration between Ochoa and Wevers began when Wevers first
saw one of Ochoa's works and later discovered that they attended the same high school in Brussels, Belgium.

Wevers' "Monster" (an excerpt of which premiered at Men in Dance in October) is a study of various "monsters" we all may encounter in our lives. It identifies addiction, tempestuous relationships, and society as the monster that homosexuals feel rejected by and have to hide from. Music for "Monster" is by Max Richter, Alva Noto and Ludovico Einaudi.

Inspired by Belgian artist Rene Magritte, "This Is Not A Raincoat" is an abstract piece exploring concepts of reality, perspective, protection and vulnerability with music by Mitchell Akiyama and Jad Abumrad.

Performances will feature two new additions to the company: Melody Herrera/Principal Dancer with the Houston Ballet, and Andrew Bartee, along with original company members, Ty Alexander Cheng, Chalnessa Eames, Kylie Lewallen, Vincent Lopez, and Lucien Postlewaite.