The free summer arts and music events continue with Sculptured Dance a special “first of its kind” collaboration between Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) and the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). This Thursday, August 11th, various artworks at the Olympic Sculpture park become a stage for two hours only, 6pm-8pm. PNB commissioned works from five local choreographers for the special evening, and the performances are free and open to all.

The five new works will be performed in, on, and around Olympic Sculpture Park sculptures, by dancers from PNB, PNB School, Spectrum Dance Theatre, and Whim W’Him. The genesis for the works is a “conversation with sculptures on-site at the park” that features five dances created by Donald Byrd, Kiyon Gaines, Ezra Thomson, Kate Wallich and Olivier Wevers.

The evening of dance + art is part of The Wallace Foundation’s “Building Audiences for Sustainability” initiative. According to PNB Director Peter Boal:

“Since the opening of the Olympic Sculpture Park, I’ve wanted to program dance in and around the art… The site is naturally conducive to movement as viewers are lured from one sculpture to the next. Adding dance into the mix seems a perfect fit….

Bringing dance to the Olympic Sculpture Park offers the brilliant backdrop of great art as inspiration for dance. Add in the cross-pollination of unfamiliar pairings between three different dance companies and five innovative local choreographers, throw in a little unpredictable weather and an occasional train whistle, and you get something completely thrilling and fresh. There are elements we can’t control and the randomness becomes exciting. No curtain time, no seat assignments, just art, dance and you.”

The free, one-time-only performance takes place this Thursday, August 11th from 6pm-8pm at SAM’s Olympic Sculpture Park, 2901 Western Avenue. You may bring chairs, but keep in mind that the performances will take place at various locations in the park, so make sure they’re portable. All are welcome to enjoy a summer evening with art and dance!