Dance Theatre: Afro-Latin Immersion | Creative Team Member
Director and Choreographer Wes Veldink began developing his unique and dynamic style of dance over three decades ago. Based in the fundamentals of jazz, ballet and modern, his work transforms human posture and gesture into movement that brings the intricacies of music to visual life and transcends the boundaries between commercial and concert dance. After opening a dance studio at age 15 in his hometown in Southern Oregon, Wes began his career in Los Angeles following his graduation from the prestigious Orange County High School of the Arts. While in L.A., Wes taught at the EDGE Performing Arts Center, co-choreographed Paula Abdul’s video Blowing Kisses in the Wind, was Michael Jackson’s double and stand-in for two videos, improvised live onstage twice with singer/songwriter Ani Difranco, and danced in the films Newsies and Tank Girl. After moving to New York City, he started his own dance company, The Wes Veldink Movement, which toured Los Angeles, Toronto and South Korea. As a teacher of dance and movement for over 30 years, Wes has worked with dance companies, universities, conservatories, conventions and festivals around the globe. In fashion, he choreographed a series of commercials for Joe Fresh, an international campaign for Nikon with Kate Moss and a Revlon campaign with Olivia Wilde. In music, he was a contributing choreographer for Alicia Keys’ Set the World on Fire Tour. In film, he choreographed the dance sequences for Gwyneth Paltrow in the feature film Country Strong and produced his own dance shorts under his production company Calm & Sense Creations. Recently, Wes was Associate Choreographer for the Netflix original series The OA, choreographed the film Brighton Beach starring FKA twigs and the film Boundaries starring Vera Farmiga and Christopher Plummer. He was Director of Choreography for Rooms, a performance/installation hybrid conceived, curated and directed by FKA twigs. Post Covid (June 2020), Veldink is a body language architect. Born and raised in southern Oregon, he is a child of the woods and deeply connected to nature and spirit. He spent formative years in Hollywood exploring and developing his voice as an artist. His journey then led him to the artful New York City where he defined his artistry. Life as a creative entrepreneur and movement alchemist has allowed Veldink to nurture relationships around the world, comparing notes and experiences with fellow artists while developing and creating unique work that can be seen in film, television, music, fashion and on stage. His self realization, relationships, and collaborations continue to fuel him. After thirty-three years of creating and teaching, Veldink is passionate more than ever to share the joy, privilege, magic, and Chi of being an Artist.
“Wes Veldink and his dancers move with a fierce, sexy quality that wreaks of passion, lust and rage. The refreshing honesty of their movement takes the audience on an emotional journey through the valleys of their own desire,” says Sara Jarrett, editor-in-chief Dance Spirit Magazine 2001.