Why I love Olympia
Originally published on The JOLT News on October 23, 2025
This week, I witnessed our town sing and dance, embrace our talented teenagers, welcome dancers from Ukraine, and continue to bring flavor to each other’s lives — this is why I love Olympia!
Let us spread the love! I invite you to attend Olympia High School’s “The Crucible” (this is their last weekend, get your ticket here), celebrate the achievements of Masterworks Choral Ensemble’s (MCE) “Dance On” concert and Grand Kyiv Ballet’s “Snow White, and support local artisans like Willis Maxfield at the Olympia Baking Company.
'The Crucible'
Performing in a show that remains timeless and especially important given the political climate, Olympia High School went beyond my expectations and gave a performance I will not soon forget. You do not want to miss this show; this is their last weekend.
This troupe of actors rose to the occasion and gave their all to each of the roles. My personal favorites were the following: Ava Miller was victorious in creating a John Proctor filled with integrity in the midst of inner conflict and taking on all the emotional strife Proctor faces. Maisy Rutlidge played the conflicted Mary Warren with the perfect balance of teenage girl angst, dramatic flair and earnest conviction. Ophelia-Grace Wickline gave a blood curdling scream as Betty Paris that would make for the perfect audition for Tim Burton’s “Wednesday.”
I applaud director Austin Bennett for adding all those details, such as the Lady Gaga dance choreographed by Amanda Bronkema in the first scene, which made this performance fun and relevant for his cast and audience. The props and set design really embraced an artistic, modern, inspired touch to create a simple but elegant and clever set. The costumes were fabulous and historically accurate.
Hurry, purchase your ticket here!
'Dance On'
MCE brought professional and exuberant energy to the stage as they went through a set list filled with cultural variety. Paired with gorgeous routines by Ballet Northwest dancers, this concert was stunning.
The chorus performed pop culture favorites like “Pink Pony Club,” “Dancing Queen” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” alongside other pieces from a variety of genres and eras. My personal favorite piece was the “Irish Country Dance,” which made me think, “Never has a choral piece kicked ass like this!”
Young Music Competition winner Yukino Sokolik, a junior at North Thurston High School, played a piece titled “Big Bad Dawg” by Korine Fujiwara that left the audience in awe. Accompanied by her mom on the piano, Sokolik showed me something I never thought possible: violin can be jazzy, soulful, and even have a bit of funk and sass. I loved it!
Sokolik has been playing the violin since she was 2 years old, and is the first person to ever win the Young Music Competition in the elementary, middle and high school categories. I cannot wait to see what she will do next.
Thank you MCE for everything you do for this community as you put your hearts and souls into your music, filling our hearts with joy and hope.
'Snow White'
The Grand Kyiv Ballet brought soul, humanity, joy, humor, and so much more to the Washington Center for the Performing Arts stage in their one night only showing of “Snow White.” The set designs and costumes were gorgeous, and the dancers brought all the facial expressions, thoughtfulness, talent, and quirks that really helped their characters come alive.
The only time I have seen humor in ballet was in "Sleeping Beauty," when Puss in Boots and the White Cat perform their flirty pas de deux. Finding humor woven into the distinct characters of the seven dwarfs was refreshing and fun. Hearing the children in the audience joyfully giggle when the dwarfs got silly was unbelievably adorable.
There was a beautiful sense of humanity and warmth in this show that filled me with hope, and I loved observing the differences between American and Ukrainian ballet. Grand Kyiv Ballet, I hope you come back again soon so that more people can witness your unique magic.
The Grand Kyiv Ballet’s story is inspirational,read more about them.
Olympia Baking Company
As the autumn breeze grows colder, I find myself yearning for all the comfort foods, community and warmth, and I have found all of that at Olympia Baking Company. You can taste the artistry and heart in each item on the 100% gluten free menu. Combined with jolly conversation with baker and owner Willis Maxfield, it instantly makes your day better. There is nothing nicer than enjoying your scone while making or enjoying — I know this from personal experience.
https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/why-i-love-olympia,26819?