Review by Chris Heide

Closing out its 14th Season, Whim W’Him continues to define itself as a staple of the arts community in Seattle. A premiere dance company, Whim W’Him, has been a hallmark of contemporary dance both locally and nationally. Following the opening of their own performing arts community studio in Queen Anne, a space that serves dancers of all calibers, they are about to embark on a national tour for the first time ever.

Whim W’Him has never had a paucity of talent, but this current line-up may just be the best group of dancers they have ever had. The athleticism and musicality of the entire company is breathtaking.

Whim W’Him has a penchant for showcasing new talent, drawing interest from choreographers from all over the world. Those new creations are think pieces in kisnetic form.

Of course, the centerpiece of any Whim W’Him show is the choreography and brilliant mind of Olivier Wevers. This mesmerizing show includes a reimagining of Wevers’ 2018 piece, The Silent Scream. It is honestly one of the best things I have ever seen. It drew you in with how he interpreted the story with his amazing choreography. I couldn’t look away. Utilizing transcendent choreography, Wevers beautifully creates a harrowing and intimate narrative that asks the question- what will happen if our voices are silenced? The emotion in his movement is transcendent and triggers a palpable emotional response within the audience. It’s a moment of looking in the past in order to look forward. This is what art is meant to do. To palpate, to inspire, to reflect, to escape. It’s is immersive and catharsis in its purest form.