Out on a Whim was an enjoyable event, Oct. 15 at the “intimately whimsical” Capitol Hill studio and home of artist Steve Jenson. More than 200 fans of Whim W’him dance company attended in their party attire to mingle with friends, the dancers and artistic director Olivier Wevers.
We were greeted with a cocktail before bidding on the silent auction. Items up for grab were wine dinners, art and designer clothing. We then enjoyed dinner showcasing the culinary talents of Chef Willie Williamson from Queen City Yacht Club, followed by dancing the night away with a live DJ.
Whim W’Him was magically created three years ago by Olivier, who retired earlier this year from his position as Pacific Northwest Ballet principal.
He will be leaving for New York later this month to accept his 2011 Princess Grace Choreography Fellowship, a deserving award for this emerging choreographer.
Under Mr. Wevers leadership, Whim is quickly becoming recognized as the leader in our community for creating contemporary new works that are mesmerizing to audiences.
The new season opens at The Intiman on Jan. 20-22 with three new creations – two comedies and a new social commentary; and in May, “Approaching Ecstasy – Collaboration with The Esoterics,” and “New Composition” by Eric Banks.
Company dancers include Andrew Bartee, Chalnessa Eames, Hannah Lagerway, Jim Kent, Jonathan Poretta, Kaori Nakamura, Kelly Ann Barton, Kylie Lewallen, Lucien Postlelwaite, Melody Herrera, Ty Alexander Cheng, and Vincent Michael Lopez. Whim performances sell out quickly. For tickets: www.whimwhim.org.
Eighteen-thousand dollars were raised Saturday night, with the hopes that an additional $12,000 will be donated by Dec. 31, for a total of $30,000 to qualify for an anonymous match of $30,000. The funds will be used to increase performance, hire full-time dancers and invite other choreographers to create new works for Whim.
Donations can be made at www.whimwhim.org/support.
Rose Dennis writes about events in Bellevue and the Greater Seattle area. She lives in Bellevue.
