Joseph Anderson during the Weeping Solo in Orpheus. Photo by Zebra Visual
This weekend I went to see Project Orpheus, performed by Seattle Dance Project. Seattle Dance Project was co-founded in 2007 by Julie Tobiason and Timothy Lynch. Julie and Tim both retired from PNB as Principal Dancers and are now teachers at PNB. After retiring, Julie decided to explore dance around Seattle, where she performed with different dance groups for a couple years. In 2007 Tim and Julie decided to put together their own group, Seattle Dance Project, where they could hire high-caliber dancers who had past professional experience and who felt passionate about performing again.
This weekend was the premiere of the company’s second production, called Project Orpheus. They chose to create a modern version of the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. What was unique about this version is that Julie and Tim asked three well known choreographers in Seattle — Wade Madsen, Eva Stone and Olivier Wevers — to create the piece. Eva focused on the furies and underworld scenes. Wade choreographed the party, snakebite and request for Eurydice scenes, while Olivier took the dramatic part of the story where Orpheus is devastated by the death of his beloved Eurydice. It was amazing that these three unique choreographers were able to create a full-length story so well developed and connected. Each dance smoothly transferred to the next scene, and the variety of movement made the evening balanced, well rounded and interesting to watch.
Project Orpheus started this weekend and will play until Oct 4th at the ACT Theater in Seattle. The dates are Sept. 19, 20, 26, 27 and Oct. 3 and 4, all shows at 8pm. I encourage everyone to come see this creative performance, and maybe I will see some of you there. I definitely want to see this again!
Also check out the Seattle Dance Project web site at www.seattledanceproject.org to find out more about the dancers and their mission as a company.
Hope everyone in Seattle can experience Seattle Dance Project.
And last, take a look at the making of Orpheus on YouTube.
A Little Tea or Something
Carla—I enjoyed the “making of” video. I am so thoroughly a bunhead and my job so thoroughly steeped in classical ballet, that I sometimes need a push to take a peek outside of that box, so thanks for the “push.” Also, I am currently part of an effort to found a “dance umbrella” organization here in Knoxville, in the hopes that the somewhat fragmented dance scene here can come together. Seattle Dance Project, and also Project Orpheus, are inspiring in that regard as well.—Deb Young
Sep 18, 2008 @ 13:53
neodancer
Carla - thank you for sharing this video. I’m currently starting a small contemporary dance company in New Hampshire, working closely with two other choreographers. It’s never occurred to me to tackle an evening length work like this in conjunction with the two of them (as silly as that may sound). This has sparked many an idea
Thank you.
Oct 05, 2008 @ 18:02
carla korbes
Neodancer and Deb
This is what the winger is about: sharing ideas and experiences, inspiring people or perhaps even helping people that can relate with specific situations.
Orpheus was such an amazing show and I am glad to be able to share it with others.
Good luck to both of you!
Carla-
Oct 05, 2008 @ 21:32