Juan Carlos Franquiz, II was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and is the founder and creator of the project-based dance company “Arch Dansé Ensemble.” Carlos received his early training at the Joffrey Ballet Academy at Fort Hamilton High School under the direction of Sabrina Jaafar and is the recipient of the Joffrey Ballet Academy Dance Award along with the Joseph Graffagnino Scholarship.

He is an alumni of MOVE |NYC|’s Young Professionals Program under the Direction of Nigel Campbell and Chanel DaSilva. While in the Young Professionals Program he received the 2019 Samuel H. Scripps – BAM scholarship, and the 2019 – 2020 C. Michael Tidwell NEXT Step Scholarship. During which he performed premiere works by choreographers such as Shamel Pitts, Gregory Dolbashian, Antonio Brown, Roderick George and Kyle Abraham. Carlos was also part of the Inaugural Peer Mentor Cohort for MOVE |NYC|.

Carlos has choreographed and performed at the BAM Kids Film Festival, York College Youth Dance Showcase and Earl Mosley’s Dancing Beyond; A benefit for Dance Against Cancer which he was selected to co-choreograph for Hearts of Men. He was also selected to choreograph on MOVE |NYC|’s Pre-Young Professionals Program. Carlos also works with the project-based dance company known as The Dash Ensemble under the directorship of Gregory Dolbashian.

He has received his BFA in Dance at the Conservatory of Dance at Purchase College, and is currently an Associate Artist with A.I.M by Kyle Abraham.

Adam McGaw is an American performer/choreographer based in Gothenburg, Sweden. A native of Detroit, Michigan, he received his Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree from Wayne State University. Adam joined Hubbard Street Dance Chicago in 2019, where he spent 3 seasons originating and performing roles in works by Crystal Pite, Kyle Abraham, Ohad Naharin, Aszure Barton, and many more. Since 2022, Adam has collaborated with the American Modern Opera Company (AMOC) and choreographer Bobbi Jene Smith, as well as Alan Lucien Øyen’s winter guests. Adam is currently an artist with GöteborgOperans Danskompani.

Michael’s critically acclaimed lighting and scenery has been seen in venues all over the USA, Europe, and Asia, ranging from opera houses to amphitheaters to circus tents to hay barns. The 3-time New York Dance and Performance Award winner has designed lighting and scenery for many dance companies, in the USA, Australia, Finland, Sweden, Cuba. He designed lighting and video for the 2015 Presidential Scholars Awards, at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Michael has also been Senior Scenic Designer on two Comedy Central Celebrity Roasts, as well as the 2015 Lincoln Awards at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall for Uplight, Inc, based in NYC. Some of his performance photography has been published in Liz Lerman’s book “Hiking the Horizontal”, as well on the websites and marketing materials for Bebe Miller Company and Rachel Tess Dance.

Becca Blackwell is a talented and versatile professional in the world of performing arts, making their mark as a dedicated Production Stage Manager for Whim W’him. With an extensive background in stage management, lighting design, and stagehand work, Becca has made a significant impact on the Seattle dance scene.

As a Production Stage Manager, Becca orchestrates the behind-the-scenes magic, ensuring smooth and flawless performances. Their organizational prowess, exceptional communication skills, and ability to handle high-pressure situations make them an invaluable asset to the Whim W’him team. Becca’s meticulous planning and coordination allow the creative vision to come to life on stage seamlessly. Additionally, Becca’s talents extend to lighting design, where their keen artistic vision and technical finesse have contributed to the creation of captivating visual experiences on stage.

With a diverse skill set, unwavering dedication, and a passion for the performing arts, Becca Blackwell continues to shine as a vital force in the industry. Their contributions, both as a stage manager and lighting designer, have left a lasting impression on audiences and fellow professionals, solidifying their position as a respected and sought-after talent in the Seattle dance community.