The inspiration for Olivier Wevers’ The Way It Is arose from William Stafford’s beautiful poem (by the same name) that holds especially poignant meaning in these strange times:

There’s a thread you follow. It goes among
things that change. But it doesn’t change.
People wonder about what you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can’t get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
or die; and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding.
You don’t ever let go of the thread.

Whim W’Him created this program as a way to prioritize the health of its artists and the community, while supporting ways for dance artists, students, and audiences to come together while staying apart.