Spectrum Dance Theater

800 Lake Washington Blvd, Seattle, WA 98122, USA

Address:	800 Lake Washington Blvd, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
Phone:	+1 206-325-4161
Site:	spectrumdance.org
Rating:	5

Location

Photos 5

Reviews 6

A Private User

A reflection on The Spectrum Dance Theatres Farewell: A Fantastical Contemplation of Americas Relationship with China The art doesnt end when the show is over, or even after the post-show dialog between the audience and artists. The art is intended to provoke inquiry, not to answer questions directly. During Farewell, audience members sat on the stage with the dancers. They were overwhelmed and confused. How could they take in all that visual and oral information? They never could, just as in life. This brings awareness to the fact that we can rely on each other to understand; we must rely on each other to understand. Also, we are all capable of feeling connected if we are open, as people prime themselves to be open when they attend art and cultural events. Many audience members were uncomfortable with the invasiveness. The music, especially, was invasive, the live drums reverberating in one’s chest and individual voices indistinguishable. You could hear bits and pieces of thoughts, while aware that the bits and pieces you heard were biased, as our attention is always drawn to what reflects our existing frame of mind. Its hard to judge whether the invasiveness was good or bad. This is how we manage current events. We dont want to be ignorant, but wed like to control what we know. An individual cant be held responsible for the world, but the world is made of individuals; as the famous American Philosopher Grace Lee Boggs said in the introduction to Art, Dialogue, Action, Activism, "we urgently need to stop thinking of ourselves as victims and to recognize that we must each become a part of the solution because we are each a part of the problem" (p. xi). Just as in life, reflection on the dance ties it together and grounds memories, helping one to make decisions about what to do next. And thats really the only question; the art that The Spectrum Dance Theatre has created as part of the Promoting Awareness and Mutual Understanding series, forces you to ask it. Im infatuated with the Spectrum Dance Theatre and its potential to initiate meaningful conversation.

Stephanie Brown

Top notch dance with TRUE integrity, honesty, and cause for self reflection; which is why the companys work often time is met with discomfort. No one leaves the theater after one of these performances feeling nothing. Discussion usually follows long after the show is done. The technical prowess of all of Donald Byrds dancers at SDT can rival any high profile contemporary company out there.

James Philpott

An institution in Seattle for as long as Ive lived here. Ive known a whole generation of dancers who owe those interest and love of dance to this institution. Their community is deep and wide spread in the Seattle area and they have garnered the respect they deserve. Their community outreach had had a profound effect on both of my daughters.

A Private User

This dance company has some of the best dancers around. Their technique is superb and their ability to dance many types of dances is unbelievable. You all need to see the one of their performances. It will take your breath away.

Sun McElderry

Great dance school and exciting performances. A real Seattle gem, especially since choreographer Donald Byrd moved from New York to become artistic director.

Mari Bowden

I am a student and they have the best teachers, environment and the teachers themselves are amazing