MUST EMERGE

Pacific Northwest Ballet: Emergence
(4/13–4/22) For Canadian choreographer Crystal Pite, whose 2009 work Emergence gives PNB’s spring show its name, inspiration came from insects: How do organisms build social structures? More specifically, how might this be a metaphor for a ballet company? Pite’s approach was collaborative: “Get everyone contributing material: delegate, divide and conquer…[a hive] is not a hierarchy at all. The queen does not govern.” It’ll be(e) an intriguingly fresh take on a traditionally ballerina-centric art form. Times and prices vary. McCaw Hall, Seattle Center, 321 Mercer St.; 206.389.7676; pnb.org

Courtesy of Chihuly Garden and Glass

MUST SWING

Swing Dancing in the Glasshouse
(4/17) Dancing the night away under the Chihuly glass doesn’t sound like a bad way to spend your Tuesday evening. The 105-minute session lead by Century Ballroom’s instructor Hallie Kuperman will have you twirling your partner in no time. The dance class is open both to couples and singles of all skill levels. After the instruction, the floor will open up for you to test your skills. Bonus: Admission to the galleries before the class begins is included in your ticket. This is the first event from the “Dance in the Glasshouse” series. Future events will include Waltz (5/15) and Bachata (6/5). 7 p.m. $24. Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St.; 206.753.4940; chihulygardenandglass.com

MUST SEE

José Guadalupe Posada and the Mexican Penny Press
(4/19–8/5) In his illustrations, Mexican artist Posada (1852–1913) linked up folk art traditions and legends with the power of the popular press, using images of skeletons—calaveras—in social and political satire in media cheap enough to be disseminated among the working class. The Bellevue Arts Museum’s exhibit traces his work and influence; his calaveras established the visual vocabulary of Day of the Dead celebrations used to this day. Times and prices vary. Bellevue Arts Museum, Bellevue, 510 Bellevue Way NE; 425.519.0770; bellevuearts.org

MUST READ

Orcas Island Literary Fest
(4/13–4/15) This inaugural lit fest in the beautiful San Juans will feature writing workshops, readings, author panels and kid-friendly activities. Critically-acclaimed and Pulitzer-prize winning authors and poets such as Gilbert King, Victor Lavalle, Jami Attenberg and local Kim Fu will be there to showcase their latest work, answer questions and mingle among fans of poetry and prose. Times, prices and locations vary. oilf.org

Photo by John Vicory

MUST EMPOWER

Lindy West: The Witches Are Coming
(4/15) Seattle’s favorite feminist writer, performer and activist Lindy West will be at Benaroya Hall this weekend, presenting a new talk with the help of a humorous slideshow. Not much else is known about this event, other than–we’re going to take a guess, based on the event name alone–it may have a little something to do with the #MeToo movement (see her NYT column). Either way, we’re pretty excited for West to take the stage in her hometown. 7:30 p.m. $19-$45. Benaroya Hall, downtown, 200 University St.; 206.215.4747; seattlesymphony.org