Dance Picks
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June 1 - June 3
Ashani Dances Debut
New on the Seattle scene, New York dance veteran Iyun Ashani Harrison founded Ashani Dances last summer. Harrison combines raw athleticism with beautiful choreography; the company combines modern dance with classical ballet and highlights the movement of traditional African dance. A raw and exciting company to watch, Ashani Dances premieres its debut performance this month, using dance to explore the experience of everyday life.
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June 1 - June 10
Seattle International Dance Festival
The 7th annual SIDF brings together the best choreographers and performers from the local dance scene alongside companies from around the world for ten days of performances, workshops and discussions. Take an art tour on the Seattle Street Car and watch contemporary dance come to life in everyday pedestrian situations. Local dance giants Olivier Wevers, Tonya Lockyer and Dan Mayer will lead discussions about the Seattle dance scene and dozens of companies will perform.
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June 8 - June 17
NW New Works Festival
On The Boards’ annual fest showcases the finest experimental theater, dance and music from around the Northwest. This year’s theatrical lineup includes Something’s Got Ahold Of My Heart, a work from Portland theatre troupe Hand2Mouth that “wrestles with our desire to craft the perfect declaration of love,” and Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble’s Song of the Dodo, which uses text gleaned from lost Greek plays to sing “a musical of the unknowable songs of extinct species.” Featured local works include Timing and Stain, a solo piece from Annex Theatre Company’s...
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June 16
PNB Next Steop
Watch PNB company members show off their choreography skills in this one-night performance. Three NEXT STEP veterans—Sean Rollofson, Ezra Thomson and Kiyon Gaines—will be joined by three new company members in creating works performed by PNB’s professional division students. NEXT STEP is a night of fresh, new creativity, blending the tradition of classical ballet with the beauty of contemporary dance. Student artists from the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra will accompany these new works.
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June 21 - June 30
Love
Donald Byrd has experienced another year of prolific creation. Catch his latest world premiere this month as he uses contemporary dance to explore his own personal psychological proclivities and history in regards to love. Spectrum company dancers bring to life the emotional spaces inhabited through the journey of love, all set to The Cello Suites by Benjamin Britten.
Saturdays in August
SHOW PONY!
Starring the infamous Can Can Castaways, SHOW PONY! is a high-energy production of cabaret, abstract dance and burlesque. Eye-catching costumes and skilled performers bring Rainbow Fletcher’s innovative choreography to life while white tigers, Siamese twins and—yes—show ponies keep the audience rapt. Hosted by Frau Doppelganger the bearded lady, SHOW PONY! brings some favorite castaways back to the stage including Benihana, Faggedy Randy, Fiona Minx and Jonny Boy.
››Can Can
