Seattle, WA. Seattle Dance Collective’s new project Continuum: Bridging the Distance will broadcast digitally to the public for five weeks. Continuum includes five works of art performed by Seattle Dance Collective members, filmed by Seattle-based filmmaker Henry Wurtz. New work will premiere each week beginning July 2 until July 30. Each work will be accompanied by a behind-the-scenes video citing the challenges and discoveries artists uncovered while creating art during a pandemic. Continuum: Bridging the Distance can be viewed on SDC’s website and Facebook page. Seattle Dance Collective will also provide online classes throughout the series, taught by artists involved in each week’s newly released work. There will be classes for dancers of varying skill levels, and all are free to the public.
Elle Macy and Dylan Ward in Home by Penny Saunders. Photo by Henry Wurtz
Since COVID-19 hit Seattle, co-founder and artistic director of Seattle Dance Collective Noelani Pantastico says “it was clear that [SDC] had to cancel [its] summer program” and re-imagine how to create art “under the constraints of social distancing.” Due to the absence of live audiences, Seattle Dance Collective “had to think very differently about how to bring artists together” and “engage audiences in a brand-new way.” Ultimately, Seattle Dance Collective “shifted [its] artist workshops online” and collaborated with colleagues to conceive Continuum: Bridging the Distance. Pantastico shares that “capturing SDC’s work on film and sharing it online has added an exciting element to [its] offerings.”
Founding Artistic Directors Noelani Pantastico and James Yoichi Moore. Photo by Lindsay Thomas
Pantastico and fellow SDC co-founder and artistic director James Yoichi Moore have been pushed to “learn new sets of skills.” Specifically, giving artistic feedback while reviewing and editing dance footage is a “new territory” for the artistic directors. Pantastico says that “responding to filmed product” differs greatly from the typical rehearsal process of communicating with dancers in real-time. Additionally, the artistic directors must give opinions on additional factors of the work aside from the dancers’ performances, including light, opacity, music, and film editing to ensure the “dance and dancers shine more.”
Amanda Morgan in Musings by Amanda Morgan. Photo by Henry Wurtz
Moore shares that Seattle Dance Collective’s “artists have also been stretched during this unconventional process,” as “creating dance for film is different in many ways from the traditional theater production.” Moore states that “dance is an art form that demands physicality and close contact,” so Seattle Dance Collective’s “choreographers had to completely adjust their method and figure out how to successfully develop and rehearse a new piece remotely via video call, rather than in the studio.” There are also added elements choreographers must consider in their creation process, including “taking advantage of close-ups and multiple camera angles.”
Lucien Postlewaite in A Headlamp or Two by Beth Tellwilleger. Photo by Henry Wurtz.
Dancers also had to adapt to rehearsing in the confines of their home and many of them had to rehearse in separate spaces, away from one another. Moore states that “in some cases, dancers were only able to experience the full breadth of movement when on location for the first time, before filming.” SDC’s filmmaker also learned to work in an “entirely new way” as he needed to “conceptualize camera work with very limited on-location rehearsal time.”
Leah Terada and Myles Pertl in The Only Thing You See Now by SeaPertls
Moore says that Seattle Dance Collective has always believed that “dance is a vital form of storytelling and emotional expression.” For this reason, “being able to offer artists the opportunity to continue practicing their art… when most artists have suddenly found themselves unemployed, is not only extremely rewarding” for SDC, but “crucial for the continued development of the arts.” Moore says that “people need art more than ever, and it is [Seattle Dance Collective’s] responsibility to put it out there”
From Seattle Dance Collective:
To support Seattle Dance Collective, people are encouraged to visit the organization’s website to “watch new films, register for classes, and share broadly.” Seattle Dance Collective relies on the generosity of supporters to “continue creating meaningful art” so any donation is “appreciated and essential to [SDC’s] future.”
Seattle Dance Collective is dedicated to nurturing collaboration between dancers and choreographers and introducing audiences to transformative programs of artistic excellence. SDC was founded in 2019 by Noelani Pantastico and James Yoichi Moore and made its debut that summer with four sold-out performances at Vashon Center for the Arts.
Seattle, WA. Urban ArtWorks is continuing its mural apprentice program and public art projects while abiding by social distancing protocol. This summer, Urban ArtWorks will partner with South Park Arts, Seattle Neighborhood Group, and local young artists to create a mural on Ambakity restaurant in the South Park neighborhood of Seattle. Urban ArtWorks is also collaboratively creating public art that celebrates Black lives throughout the city.
Youth apprentices meet with their teaching artists, Dovey Martinez and Felipe Perez, in the South Park mural program. Photo was taken by Dennis Diaz.
Executive director Amanda Hashagen says that Urban ArtWorks’ “longest-running program is the mural apprentice program.” The mural apprentice program is an eight-week program in which young artists learn basic art skills and work on one large mural or public art project either during the school year or summer. Following the mural apprentice program, youths can advance into a long-term six-month apprenticeship, in which aspiring artists can connect with a mentor who will assist them in building portfolios. People can get more information on how to become an apprentice or program volunteer on Urban ArtWorks’ website.
This summer, the mural apprentice program will primarily operate online. Apprentices will receive basic art lessons virtually and be given assignments to work on offline as well. A summer project that youth apprentices are currently working on is a mural for Ambakity restaurant in the South Park neighborhood of Seattle. During this project, young artists collaboratively plan and design the mural virtually and at a social distance. After the planning process is complete, half of the artists will meet to paint one day, and the other half will meet another day to follow social distancing guidelines. Another project apprentices will have the opportunity to work on is designing and painting a utility box in Seattle. Urban ArtWorks will provide participants with paints, brushes, supplies, and snacks to ensure that the artists can create their work to the best of their abilities.
An artist works on Urban ArtWorks’ mural on the Metropole building in Pioneer Square.
Urban ArtWorks’ goal as an organization extends past beautifying Seattle. Through their numerous programs, Urban ArtWorks strives to work with young people with barriers to employment and provide them with basic job training and professional life skills. Hashagen wishes to empower local youth at Urban ArtWorks by teaching them to “trust that their perspectives are valid to share with the community.”
Hashagen shares that quarantining has given Urban ArtWorks’ staff increased time to reflect on how to improve their organization. She shares that the Black Lives Matter protests in Seattle have especially “amplified what their priorities should be.” Specifically, Urban ArtWorks is working to make its team and programs racially equitable. Hashagen claims that Urban ArtWorks is a predominantly white-led organization, and board members are “actively trying to change that.”
Urban ArtWorks is also connecting with its community by creating public art related to the Black Lives Matter movement. In mid-June, Urban ArtWorks worked on a large mural on the Metropole building in Pioneer Square to commemorate Juneteenth, the celebration of the official end of slavery in 1865. Artists and neighbors in the public were invited to contribute to the mural while social distancing. Over twenty individuals stopped to add their own touches to the painting and “transform the heavily graffitied wall into a rotating gallery.”
Urban ArtWorks’ collaborative mural on the Metropole building in Pioneer Square.
Urban ArtWorks also partnered with the Downtown Seattle Association to create art amid the aftermath of the Black Lives Matter Protests that transpired following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Urban ArtWorks secured highly visible locations in the Westlake area for BIPOC artists to create murals. Ten murals were painted on the boarded-up windows of the Nordstrom building on 6th and Pine street. Hashagen shares that “Black lives are more important than any damage done to a building or object, and [Urban ArtWorks] didn’t want that message to get lost in the ‘repairs’ [artists] made with any murals created.” Pictured below are some of these murals.
Mural by artist @Dozfy on Instagram and photographed by Paul Nunn
Mural by @ccstencil on Instagram and photographed by Paul Nunn
Mural by @wolfdelux on Instagram and photographed by Paul Nunn
Above all, Urban ArtWorks wishes to continue “engaging youth and communities in the creation of public art that inspires connections and honors their voices.” Hashagen encourages the public to “open their eyes and see what beauty and transformation young people can bring to our community” and “give them the respect they deserve.” Through its community outreach and displays of public art, Urban ArtWorks strives to show Seattle that “young people are brilliant and beautiful.”
From Urban ArtWorks:
To support Urban ArtWorks, financial and supply donations are always welcome. The organization also looks for volunteers and people to assist with photography and administrative work. People can also follow Urban ArtWorks on Instagram @urbanartworks.
Urban ArtWorks was developed in 1995 as a result of the SODO Business Association’s desire to clean up trash and graffiti along the busway in Seattle’s industrial zone. A plan was developed to enrich the surroundings and discourage graffiti by creating murals throughout the area now known as the SODO Urban Art Corridor. The collaboration of private and public partners facilitated the creation of an arts program for at-risk youth centered on the development of murals. Urban ArtWorks incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1998, and the scope of our work has expanded far beyond SODO and the corridor. Today, our organization works full time to promote the arts and produce new public artworks across the entirety of Seattle. Our youth programming continues to empower young people through professional opportunities in the arts. Our mission is to create public art that empowers young people and transforms communities
Seattle, WA. Skate Like a Girl Seattle will conduct its summer skate camp online for 2020. Chapter co-director Soph Elden says that “since COVID-19 hit, [the organization] decided to switch to an at-home virtual skate camp.” The camp now gives skaters of all skill levels a variety of online tools to improve their skating and connect with mentors from the comfort of their homes. Skate Like a Girl is a nonprofit organization empowering individuals, especially young women, to become strong, confident leaders who promote and implement equity through the vehicle of skateboarding.
Each camp session is a week-long (Monday to Friday) and features a daily opening and closing “circle time” with fellow campers and counselors via video conference. Campers receive skate skill videos designed for their distinct skill level, as well as supplemental challenge worksheets and a camper t-shirt. There is an average one counselor to five camper ratio so campers may receive individualized check-ins with counselors and more personalized instruction.
Here’s a video about the virtual summer program for 2020.
A flyer for Skate Like A Girl Seattle’s At-Home Summer Camp
The summer camp offers classes for skaters of all gender identities, as well as weeks exclusively designated for women and/or queer and trans people of all ages. The camp cost is $129 and there are scholarships that skaters can apply for to ensure that the camp is as accessible to as many people as possible. And if you don’t have a skateboard, helmet, or padding, Skate Like a Girl Seattle can help with that! Campers can reach out to Skate Like a Girl Seattle via e-mail to borrow skate gear through drop-off or pick-up services.
Skate Like a Girl Seattle also provides additional skateboarding programs and activities for people of all skill levels, ages, and gender identities year-round. The organization offers weekly women and trans skating sessions, after school programs, and 12 years and under skating clinics during the school year at All Together Skate Park, located at 3500 Stone Way North in Seattle. In addition to at-home summer camp, Skate Like a Girl is continuing its women and trans skating sessions virtually through Zoom.
Instructors and skaters for Skate Like A Girl’s women and trans skating sessions
In light of the recent Black Lives Matter protests for racial justice, Skate Like a Girl Seattle has been vocal on social media about the significance of continually supporting Black lives now and moving forward. According to Elden, Skate Like a Girl’s messaging “prioritizes social justice.” Elden says that Skate Like a Girl Seattle has recently utilized social media to encourage people to take specific actions to support Black lives, including providing followers with “swipe-up” links on Instagram stories to “sign petitions and get donations matched.” Elden states that Skate Like a Girl Seattle plans to “listen to and follow Black-led causes and organizations” and “celebrate and elevate Black trans people and Black women.” Skate Like a Girl Seattle also supports defunding the police and “reallocating funds to programs like health care, education, and other resources, particularly in Black communities and Black-led organizations.”
Through its dedication to social justice, Skate Like a Girl Seattle plans to continue empowering all skaters in the Seattle community virtually until in-person programs may resume.
From Skate Like A Girl:
Skate Like a Girl is a nonprofit organization empowering individuals, especially young womxn, to become strong, confident leaders who promote and implement equity through the vehicle of skateboarding. We believe that skateboarding is a tool to build confidence, resilience, and foster inclusive community. Our mission is to create an inclusive community by promoting confidence, leadership, and social justice through the sport of skateboarding. Founded 17 years ago, we currently operate chapters in Seattle, Portland, and the San Francisco Bay Area.We value experiential learning and civic participation, by providing opportunities to be involved in the skateboarding community.
Seattle, WA. Velocity Dance Center is offering online dance classes to the public and plans to continue doing so until its annual summer festivals starts on July 12th. Communication manager Vladimir Kremenović explains that Velocity is “offering a variety of online classes through Zoom.” There are classes on Velocity’s website for dancers of every skill level, from beginners to professionals. Single classes can be purchased, or packages of multiple sessions. (Photo above from pre-pandemic performance.)
Dancers explore floor work at Velocity Dance Center before the Covid pandemic.
Velocity Dance Center is located at 1621 12th Ave. in Seattle. It’s one of the largest centers for adult dancers in the Seattle area and acts as a source of creation for many individuals throughout the Pacific Northwest. Velocity’s resources include classes, workshops, performances, residencies, discussions, screenings, as well as two annual international festivals: Strictly Seattle and Seattle Festival of Dance Improvisation. When Washington governor Jay Inslee announced the stay-home order throughout the state, many dance studios closed, and Velocity Dance Center was no exception. According to Velocity’s communications manager Vladimir Kremenović, Velocity staff “realized that to protect [their] community [they] needed to close down studios.”
Promotional photo for Seattle Festival of Dance Improvisation 2018
Following its closure, Velocity partnered with local artists to stream its works online as a way to connect with the community remotely. These streams included commentary and conversations with artists via Zoom about their creative processes.
Velocity also offers classes for an array of dance genres including modern, contemporary, hip-hop, improvisation, and more. Payment for these classes is donation based. Kremenović states that it didn’t “make sense to charge for classes since many community members have lost their jobs” due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Velocity not only supports its community by providing access to dance resources but also through aiding local activists. Velocity Dance Center is located in Capitol Hill, a Seattle neighborhood amid Black Lives Matter protests. A couple of blocks from Velocity is the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP), otherwise known as the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ). CHOP is one of the main sites of protests for the Black Lives Matter movement that ignited throughout Seattle following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. Kremenović shares that Velocity “wanted to provide resources for people on the street” to support the activism transpiring throughout Seattle and the United States. In early June, Velocity opened its lobby to provide activists with access to restrooms, charging outlets, and water fountains. Velocity recognizes that they are a predominantly white-led organization and as a result decided to take a step back from self-promotion on Instagram to amplify anti-racist sentiment and highlight the voices of BIPOC activists and artists. Additionally, Velocity has partnered with Northwest Film Forum to stream the films, Avivaand Cunningham,through the next month. All proceeds from June film screenings will be donated to organizations that empower Black lives.
Through Velocity’s transition to remote work, Kremenović reports that the organization is “really proud and happy to have so many teachers in their community willing to make the jump” to online teaching. Through online classes and festivals, Kremenović wishes for Velocity to continue making dancers “come together, dance, and create beautiful art.”
From Velocity Dance Center:
There are many ways to support Velocity Dance Center now and throughout the summer. People can sign up for Velocity’s online classes, as well as register for its online summer festivals. Both Strictly Seattle and Seattle Festival of Dance Improvisation will be conducted online this year. However, Velocity recognizes that there are more important organizations to spotlight other than its studio at the moment. Velocity encourages people in its community to direct donations towards cultural organizations that support Black lives.
Velocity is Seattle’s center dedicated to contemporary dance, and an essential incubator for new dance in our region. With artist-driven, community-responsive programming, Velocity provides vital resources and advocacy for one of the most active dance communities in the nation. Velocity’s programming includes classes, workshops, residencies, performances, discussions, and two annual international festivals.
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