Food & Drink
Swarm Welcome: Crystal Pite’s Emergence at PNB
Crystal Pite has Pacific Northwest Ballet all abuzz
By Seattle Mag November 7, 2013
This article originally appeared in the November 2013 issue of Seattle magazine.
!–paging_filter–pIt’s probably not a ballet dancer’s lifelong dream to be described as buggy, but in the case of Crystal Pite’s piece Emergence, it proves the highest compliment. The Vancouver B.C.–based choreographer—whose own contemporary dance company, Kidd Pivot, performs brilliant, edgy work—had swarm intelligence on the brain when she crafted the piece, originally for the National Ballet of Canada in 2009. The riveting, provocative work explores the bug-eat-bug world of the hive mind via fluttery, flicky movement—recognizable but slightly disturbing in the way of insects, which move so differently than humans yet still remind us of ourselves. Owen Belton’s industrial score, made with clicks, buzzes and scratchings from actual creepy crawlers, adds to the sense that we’re peering into a world beneath. In Kidd Pivot pieces, it’s sometimes hard to tell what gender the dancers are, thanks to androgynous costuming. But here, with the male dancers’ exposed torsos and females sporting strapless leotards, it’s vividly clear who’s who. Consequently, Pite says, “It’s the sexiest piece I’ve made.” 11/8–11/17. Times and prices vary. Pacific Northwest Ballet, 301 Mercer St.; 206.441.2424; a href=”http://www.pnb.org” target=”_blank”pnb.org/a/p
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Seattle Author Wins Pulitzer Prize
Tessa Hulls wins for Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir
Seattle author Tessa Hulls has added a Pulitzer Prize to her growing list of accolades for Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir. The 2025 Pulitzers were announced May 5. Feeding Ghosts won in the “Memoir or Autobiography” category. As Seattle magazine wrote in a profile of Hulls last year, Feeding Ghosts “braids together the narratives of…
These Cultural Landmarks Honor Seattle’s AANHPI Community
Here’s an overview of some notable spots and happenings
The first Asian American immigrants landed in Seattle in the 1860s, just a decade after the city’s founding in 1852. Seattle is plentiful with sites that tell crucial stories about Seattle’s Asian American community, whether you choose to learn about historic neighborhoods and buildings in the International District or browse sculptures and paintings at the…
Book Excerpt: Old White Man Writing
Seattle resident Joshua Gidding examines his own white privilege
In his book, Old White Man Writing, Seattle resident Joshua Gidding attempts to come to terms with his privilege. Gidding grapples with the rapidly changing cultural norms in 21st-century America while examining his own racial biases and prejudices. As Manhattan Book Review notes: “Old White Man Writing is an introspective deep dive into an eventful life…
Glacial Expressions
Local scientist and painter Jill Pelto spotlights climate change in a multi-artist show at Slip Gallery
The divide between the arts and sciences is long-fostered and well-documented. From elementary school onward, children are often singled out for their penchant for math or artistic ability and guided toward classes — and later careers — that align with their right or left brain tendencies. For Jill Pelto — a local climate scientist, painter,…