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
News The Washington mental health lifeline made for and by Native people The Native and Strong Lifeline provides connection and culturally specific care to callers in crisis. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Indian Country Today and Underscore News / June 19, 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 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
Indigenous Affairs Yakama Nation’s new public safety campus gives justice room to grow The tribal court system, which had occupied a cluster of trailers since the ’50s, plans to add services like a mental health or a veterans court. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Underscore News and ICT / January 9, 2024
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 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 Cancer doesn’t keep this Seattle dance teacher from her mission As she approaches 80, the founder of Ewajo Dance Studio believes dance is the key to health and longevity. by Marcie Sillman / March 8, 2022
Culture Seattle artists remember longtime UW professor Michael Spafford Known for his own bold — and controversial — works, the Northwest teacher was an inspiration to legions of artists. by Marcie Sillman / February 8, 2022