By Chris Heide
Whim W’Him opened its 16th season in Seattle with a program that felt both transitional and boldly forward-looking. There was a notable shakeup last year, a shift following the departure of longtime participant Karl Watson, as two seasoned dancers, at the end of Season 15. And yet, while this could have been a moment of tentative footing, the company instead stepped onto the stage with remarkable confidence, delivering an evening that celebrated renewal while reaffirming Whim W’Him’s place as one of Seattle’s most exciting contemporary dance ensembles.
Olivier Wevers, the company’s founder and artistic director, framed the season with characteristic vision: “The season comes alive through our extra ordinary dancers, whose artistry and dedication transform ideas into presence. Whether with cherished returning choreographers or inspiring new voices, they shape each creation with generosity, courage, and joy. To experience their dancing together is a reminder of the quiet power of gathering, where we reflect, connect and rediscover, wonder and belong.” That sentiment came alive onstage as the dancers carried each piece with superb technique, fearless commitment, and a palpable generosity of spirit.
The choreography throughout the evening was consistently next-level, pairing bold conceptual ideas with finely wrought movement invention. The dancers matched that vision with their own artistry, showing off not only athleticism and control but also deep musicality. Their phrasing seemed to extend beyond the steps, as if breath, rhythm, and silence were as integral to the performance as the notes of the score.
Among several strong works, one stood out as an instant classic: LIVIN THE DREAM, choreographed by Genna Moroni. This piece was a revelation, brimming with originality, wit, humor, and a kinetic charge that never let up. The dancers attacked Moroni’s choreography with astonishing clarity and energy, blending sharp technical precision with a looseness that made the piece feel alive and unpredictable. It is no exaggeration to say that LIVIN THE DREAM ranks among the best pieces Whim W’Him has ever featured, a work that could easily travel and hold its own on any stage.
The evening was not without its moments of transition; some pieces seemed to hover between abstraction and narrative. Yet these were minor ripples in a program defined by its daring and its heart. The infusion of new dancers has clearly energized the company, adding fresh voices to the ensemble while building on the legacy of those who came before.
Ultimately, the opening of Whim W’Him’s 16th season was more than just a showcase of new works. It was a declaration of continuity and evolution. The superb technique of the dancers, the visionary choreography, and the seamless musicality made for a program that was both deeply satisfying and full of promise. If this is how the season begins, audiences have much to look forward to in the months ahead.