The thriving arts scene is a priority in this city—in fact, Seattle has been recognized for having more arts-related businesses and organizations per capita than any other metropolitan area in the U.S., according to Americans for the Arts. Choreographer, dance artist and producer Jade Solomon Curtis is one of the contributors to this creative city. Read on for a look at the city through her artistic lens.
Seattle is a special place—it’s the only place I feel like I can be part of a city and surrounded by nature without even thinking about it. There are great things happening here, and an especially strong push to support emerging artists.
My work is about me being a bold black woman. But my work is more introverted right now, as I’m finding the voice to speak. I see dance as a communication tool. I don’t want audience members, I want witnesses and collaborators.
It feels like a community. Whenever I walk around, people talk to me, we have block parties here in the summer, El Centro de la Raza is a gathering space for people and kids. I’m always interested in supporting black- and brown-owned businesses, like The Station cafe. I frequent Jefferson Park, and I golf at the Jefferson Park golf course. And the light rail station makes it easy to get around.
I’ve danced in all kinds of spaces—at the Seattle Art Museum during the Kehinde Wiley show, on stage at The 5th Avenue Theatre, and in the Northwest African American Museum, surrounded by history. I also like performing at the Cornish Playhouse because it feels both intimate and formal.
Spectrum Dance—director Donald Byrd is always creating new things. Definitely On the Boards and Velocity Dance Center. LANGSTON also does wonderful programming.
I’ve been here for five years. It took a couple years to acclimate, then I started to appreciate the gloominess. Seattle is a great place to marinate. It allows you time to create and not feel like you have to be social. You can build something during those six months of rain, without feeling like eyes are on you. And then the sun comes out and you get to shine.
Interview by Brangien Davis. Photo taken at El Centro de la Raza.