Feel the rhythm beneath your feet. That’s the magic of the Dancer’s Series: Steps. Right here on Broadway in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood you stand on history. This isn’t just any sidewalk. It’s a dance floor frozen in bronze.
The Dancer’s Series: Steps is a 1979 masterpiece by artists Jack Mackie and Charles Greening. Nine dance patterns are inlaid in the sidewalks. Each pattern is a bronze testament to the joy of movement. Imagine the dedication involved. Think of the precision required to capture the essence of each step.
The dances depicted are not just any dances. They include the Lindy Mambo Obeebo Bus stop Cha Cha Foxtrot Rumba Tango and Waltz. But there’s a twist. Two of the patterns are entirely original creations by Mackie himself. He called them the “Bus stop” and the “Obeebo”. This blend of familiar and inventive steps makes the Dancer’s Series: Steps truly unique.
Notice the detail. Bronze shoeprints show the dancers’ feet. Arrows and “R” and “L” markings indicate the correct steps. Even the rhythm is etched into plaques beside each set. For instance the tango is “slow slow quick quick slow” while the rumba is “quick quick slow”. The artists thought of everything.
This wasn’t just a whimsical project. The Dancer’s Series: Steps was part of a broader renovation. Architects engineers city officials and local merchants were involved. The aim was to revitalize Broadway. This artwork is a testament to collaborative effort. It is a vibrant example of how art can enrich a community.
The project was funded by Seattle’s 1% for Art program. Private businesses in the Broadway Local Improvement District also contributed. It’s amazing how a vision can bring together different stakeholders. The result is this captivating piece that continues to delight. It shows that art can both beautify and revitalize.
So take a moment. Feel the cool bronze under your feet. Step into the rhythm of the Dancer’s Series: Steps. Let the energy of these dance patterns lift your spirits. This is more than just a sidewalk. This is a testament to the power of art. This is a celebration of dance. This is Seattle’s vibrant heart beating beneath your feet.