Culture A $4M makeover awakens Pacific Northwest Ballet’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ With costumes by Wicked designer Paul Tazewell and sets by artist Preston Singletary, PNB hopes to breathe new life into the 19th-century classic. by Marcie Sillman / January 27, 2025
Culture Pacific Northwest Ballet’s new guard brings diversity center stage Seattle’s largest dance company is at a turning point with a fall roster that’s younger and 50 percent BIPOC. by Marcie Sillman / September 13, 2023
Culture A “Venn diagram” of genres keeps this Seattle dance fest afloat With an emphasis on local contemporary dance, organizers hope to attract new audiences amid a challenging arts climate. by Marcie Sillman / June 12, 2023
Culture Seattle’s Black dance history gets the spotlight in a new show Drawing upon archival photos and old films, Black Collectivity presents an original performance rooted in little-known legacies. by Marcie Sillman / April 5, 2023
Culture Seattle’s Dance Church is taking its movement gospel to the masses Could the local exercise craze be the next Zumba? With $4.7 million in venture capital, leaders must balance an artist-led mission with national expansion. by Marcie Sillman / March 15, 2023
Culture UW dance pivots toward a more accessible, diverse curriculum The department is deprioritizing Eurocentric dance forms and opening courses to a wider array of students — no experience necessary. by Marcie Sillman / January 20, 2023
Culture Seattle dance company buys a church on Queen Anne Thanks to a generous patron and pastor, local company Whim W’Him will have its own space for rehearsals and a school. by Marcie Sillman / December 12, 2022
Culture At 50, Pacific Northwest Ballet dances between its past and future Seattle’s celebrated ballet company is striving to increase diversity with a new repertory, new choreographers and new BIPOC and non-binary dancers. by Marcie Sillman / September 9, 2022
Culture Black Arts Legacies: Lamentation and revelation in Porter Ray's hip hop The Seattle rapper keeps memories of the Central District alive with vivid lyrics and a jazz sensibility. by Kemi Adeyemi / August 11, 2022
Culture Black Arts Legacies: Barbara Earl Thomas cuts her own path The longtime Seattle artist creates presence through absence with meticulous skill and a communal approach to her work. by Kemi Adeyemi / July 21, 2022