Noelani Pantastico and James Yoichi Moore founded Seattle Dance Collective with a commitment to create unique collaborative opportunities for dancers and choreographers. In parallel, they set out to introduce audiences to transformative programs that met their high standards for artistic excellence. Program One achieved these two goals and kicked things off with three days of sold-out performances at Vashon Center for the Arts in July 2019.
The pandemic that followed the next year posed a serious threat to the continuation of the fledgling company. But what could have ended SDC all too abruptly, surprisingly resulted in a successful and prolific foray into dance filmmaking that sustained the organization for the next four years. From the first group of films in 2020 (Continuum: Bridging the Distance) to this year’s final project (The Weight of Silk), SDC has served as an outlet for creativity and a platform for artistic growth. A total of 13 dance films and 5 documentaries were produced by SDC and received 27 official selections by film festivals in the US and around the world, winning several awards along the way. In addition to dancers and choreographers, SDC provided opportunities for directors, videographers, musicians, editors, lighting designers, costume designers, makeup artists and more, to share their work on screen with a global audience.
So it is with heavy hearts that we announce the closure of Seattle Dance Collective at the end of December 2024. With new ventures underway and paths yet to be discovered, Founders and Artistic Directors Noelani and James have made the difficult decision to conclude this chapter, but it is one filled with immense pride and eternal gratitude to you, our dearest supporters.
Noelani and James
Photo credits: top and bottom right ©Lindsay Thomas, bottom left ©Angela Sterling
Comments