For Whim W’Him’s Olivier Wevers, A New Dance is Life or Death

For Whim W’Him’s Olivier Wevers, A New Dance is Life or Death

No one needs to tell choreographer Olivier Wevers that a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. On the same bill with his death penalty dance, thrOwn, this weekend at the Intiman, are two lighter works: la langue de l’amour, a “very naughty” solo for Chalnessa Eames; and Flower Festival, with August Bournonville’s flirtatious, teasing pas de deux, Flower Festival in Genzano, re-imagined for two men who begin the dance in suits, but then there arises a “jousting” feeling, says Wevers, promising very “kinetic” movement. Continue reading For Whim W’Him’s Olivier Wevers, A New Dance is Life or Death

Olivier Wevers & Whim W’Him: Dances to a Different Drummer

Olivier Wevers & Whim W’Him: Dances to a Different Drummer

Speaking to an audience after a show, Wevers made a point of emphasizing that he avoids using ballet terms with his dancers, because he’s not choreographing ballet. Puckishly, he provided samples of the new nomenclature: “flying squirrel” or “the dolphin.” But there’s still a depth and boldness in how Wevers tries to speak directly to an audience–not just dance fans–about concerns “extracurricular,” over-consumption, addiction, discrimination. Continue reading Olivier Wevers & Whim W’Him: Dances to a Different Drummer