Whim W'Him Contemporary Dance Center

Nestled in the heart of Seattle, the Whim W'Him Contemporary Dance Center stands as a beacon for the dance community, offering a unique blend of professional artistry and accessible education. For those residing in Washington, particularly in the vibrant Seattle area, Whim W'Him is more than just a dance studio; it's a testament to the power of movement and a cornerstone of contemporary dance in the Pacific Northwest. Established as the home of the acclaimed Whim W'Him Contemporary Dance Company, this center extends its passion for innovative dance to the broader community, welcoming dancers of all ages and abilities. It's a place where artistic expression is nurtured, technique is honed, and the joy of dance is shared by everyone from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals.

The philosophy behind Whim W'Him Contemporary Dance Center is deeply rooted in fostering an environment where creativity thrives and individuals feel empowered to explore their unique movement languages. As highlighted by glowing testimonials, the center is "an excellent space for dancers to thrive regardless of age," and equally, "a comfortable and welcoming space for the 'dance' parents." This speaks to their commitment to creating a truly inclusive and supportive atmosphere. Whether you're looking to delve into the intricate world of contemporary dance, build foundational skills in ballet, or simply enjoy a high-energy hip-hop class, Whim W'Him offers a diverse curriculum taught by experienced and passionate instructors. The synergy between the professional company and the dance center provides an unparalleled opportunity for local enthusiasts to engage with world-class artistry right here in their own community. It’s a gift to Seattle's arts community, fostering a love for dance that transcends age and experience.

The Whim W'Him Contemporary Dance Center boasts a prime location at 1716 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA. Situated in the charming and bustling Queen Anne neighborhood, the studio is remarkably accessible for residents across Seattle and the surrounding regions. Its central positioning means that whether you're coming from downtown, the northern suburbs, or other Seattle districts, reaching the center is convenient. The Queen Anne area is well-served by public transportation, with numerous bus routes passing nearby, making it an easy commute for students and families relying on transit. For those who prefer to drive, the location provides parking options, contributing to a stress-free experience for drop-offs, pickups, and attending classes.

The thoughtful design of the new dance space in Queen Anne has been praised by visitors for being "well thought out," not just for dancers but also for parents, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming environment for the entire family. This attention to accessibility extends beyond just transportation; the center is proud to be LGBTQ+-owned and friendly, women-owned, family-friendly, neurodiverse-friendly, senior-friendly, and trauma-informed, with amenities such as gender-neutral and wheelchair-accessible restrooms, bike racks, and proximity to public transit. This dedication to an inclusive and physically accessible space truly positions Whim W'Him Contemporary Dance Center as a community asset, inviting everyone in the Washington area to experience the joy of dance in a premier setting.

Whim W'Him Contemporary Dance Center offers a rich and diverse array of services, catering to a broad spectrum of dancers from various backgrounds and skill levels. Their commitment is to provide high-quality dance education that nurtures artistic expression and technical proficiency for everyone in the community.

• Youth/Teen Classes: Specifically designed programs for younger dancers (ages 0-12 and teens), covering a range of styles including ballet, hip-hop, and contemporary. These classes are often session-based with rolling admissions, making it easy for new students to join. Examples include Hip Hop for 6-8 YRS and 9-12 YRS.
• Adult Dance Classes: A wide selection of classes tailored for adults, available on a convenient drop-in basis. This flexibility allows adults to fit dance into their busy schedules. Examples include:
  • Absolute Beginner Adult Contemporary/Improv
  • OPEN Adult Contemporary (suitable for all levels, focusing on free-style themes)
  • OPEN Adult Release Technique/Modern
  • Absolute Beginner Adult Ballet
  • Absolute Beginner Adult Jazz
  • Adult Hip Hop
• Diverse Dance Genres: The center provides instruction across a variety of dance styles, allowing students to explore different forms and find their passion:
  • Contemporary (drawing from modern, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and more)
  • Ballet (with a contemporary, inclusive approach)
  • Improvisation (researching movement desires and expanding creative tools)
  • Hip-Hop (exploring culture, style, and various street dance elements)
  • Jazz
  • Modern
• Summer Intensives and Workshops: Immersive programs like the "WHIM Summer Intensive," offering opportunities to dive into personal artistic identity, explore new ways of thinking and moving, and develop professional skills. These often feature company members, visiting choreographers, and the Artistic Director.
• Company Class for Advanced Dancers: Opportunities for advanced and professional dancers to take class alongside Whim W'Him company members, with rotating faculty including company dancers and visiting choreographers.
• Free Trial and Special Offers: Prospective youth/teen students can inquire about a free trial class, while adults can take advantage of a $9 first-time special for adult classes, making it easy to experience the studio.

Whim W'Him Contemporary Dance Center stands out due to several distinctive features and highlights that collectively create an exceptional and enriching experience for all who walk through its doors. These aspects are often celebrated by its community members.

• Home of a Renowned Contemporary Dance Company: The center is the official home of the Whim W'Him Contemporary Dance Company, an award-winning Seattle-based company founded by Olivier Wevers. This means students at the center are in direct proximity to professional-level artistry and the cutting edge of contemporary dance.
• Beautifully Renovated and Thoughtfully Designed Space: Reviews consistently praise the "beautifully renovated building" with "lovely studios." The design is "well thought out," providing an excellent, comfortable, and welcoming environment not only for dancers of all ages but also for "dance parents." This ensures a positive experience for the entire family.
• High-Quality and Engaging Company Performances: The associated Whim W'Him company is celebrated for its "top quality, engaging, and unique expressions of the choreographers." Attending these performances offers incredible inspiration and exposure to cutting-edge dance.
• Community-Oriented Vibe: The center fosters a strong "community-oriented vibe," which is highly valued by its patrons. It's described as "such a gift to dancers and the entire Seattle arts community," highlighting its role in building connections and shared passion for dance.
• Inclusive and Accessible Environment: Beyond just physical accessibility (wheelchair accessible entrance and restrooms, gender-neutral restrooms), the center is committed to being LGBTQ+-friendly, neurodiverse-friendly, senior-friendly, and trauma-informed. This dedication ensures a safe, supportive, and welcoming space for a diverse range of individuals.
• Experienced and Passionate Instructors: The teaching team comprises experienced and passionate dance instructors who create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment, guiding individuals to learn and experience the transformative power of dance.
• Diverse and Innovative Choreography: The company and center expose students to innovative dance in collaboration with global artists, showcasing a variety of choreography that is striking, clean, and deeply developed. This offers a wide exposure to different movement languages and artistic visions.

For detailed information, class schedules, or to connect with the Whim W'Him Contemporary Dance Center, please use the contact details provided below. Their team is ready to assist you with any questions and help you become part of their vibrant dance community.

Address: 1716 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA

Phone: (707) 350-9446

Mobile Phone: +1 707-350-9446

For locals in Washington, particularly those residing in the Seattle area, the Whim W'Him Contemporary Dance Center represents an extraordinary opportunity to engage with the world of dance. Its strategic location in the Queen Anne neighborhood ensures convenient access for residents across the city, making it a practical choice for regular dance classes or attending performances. What truly makes Whim W'Him an ideal choice for the local community is its unique dual identity as both the home of a world-class contemporary dance company and a highly accessible educational center. This means students are not just learning dance; they are immersed in a dynamic artistic ecosystem, often having the chance to learn from and be inspired by professional artists.

The studio's commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all ages and abilities, coupled with its thoughtfully designed, state-of-the-art facilities, ensures a comfortable and enriching experience for every participant and their families. The diverse range of classes, from foundational ballet to cutting-edge contemporary and high-energy hip-hop, caters to varied interests, allowing individuals to explore and express themselves freely. Whim W'Him is more than a place to take dance classes; it’s a community hub where artistic passion is fostered, connections are built, and the transformative power of dance is celebrated. By offering exceptional instruction and unparalleled exposure to the contemporary dance world, Whim W'Him Contemporary Dance Center truly enriches the cultural landscape of Seattle, making it a cherished local resource for anyone looking to embrace the art of movement.

Whim W'Him Contemporary Dance Center

1716 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA