A new work by American star choreographer Kyle Abraham arrives in Finland
A new work by American star choreographer Kyle Abraham arrives in Finland
Press releasesDance House Helsinki’s international guest performance series continues.
Dance House Helsinki’s international guest performance series continues this October with Cassette Vol. 1, a brand-new creation by Kyle Abraham – one of the most compelling figures in American contemporary dance. Overflowing with nostalgia and camp, the performance draws its energy from 1980s and 1990s pop music and the rise of music video culture. Tickets for performances on 29–31 October are now on sale.
Over the past two decades, Kyle Abraham has emerged as an internationally acclaimed choreographer whose work seamlessly weaves together Black American culture, queer perspectives, and the diversity of contemporary dance. He has created commissioned works for the likes of New York City Ballet and The Royal Ballet, yet much of his artistic work is carried out with his own company, A.I.M by Kyle Abraham.
Cassette Vol. 1 is a tribute to the music of the 1980s and early 1990s – an era when pop music took over everyday life and public space. The piece features ten dancers performing powerful choreographies to the music of New Wave and pop icons such as The Bangles, Cyndi Lauper, and Billy Idol. The movement language draws on influences from postmodern dance legends such as Trisha Brown, 1980s queer culture, and the emergence of music video aesthetics.
The result is an evening steeped in camp and nostalgia, showcasing the multifaceted nature of the Black experience and its reception in American culture.
The performances will be accompanied by artist talks, workshops and other contextual events.
Abraham’s work was last seen in Finland in 2018 as part of Helsinki Festival. With support from the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, Dance House Helsinki’s series of international guest performances continues in spring 2026 with Ballet National de Marseille/(LA)HORDE. Further details will be announced later.
“Lush movement, infectious music and magnetic dancers...”
– The New York Times on A.I.M by Kyle Abraham (2011)
“The finest celebration of dance.”
– Helsingin Sanomat on Live! The Realest MC (2018)
A.I.M / Kyle Abraham: Cassette Vol. 1
Erkko Hall, Dance House Helsinki (Kaapeliaukio 3, Helsinki)
Performances: 29, 30, 31 October 2025 at 19:30
Tickets: €42–21, tanssintalo.fi
World premiere: August 2024, Kampnagel, Hamburg, Germany
Further information:
Saara Oranen, Communications
saara@tanssintalo.fi | +358 44 566 1903
Press images: Dance House Helsinki press folder (Programme images)
About Dance House Helsinki
Dance House Helsinki is Finland’s foremost venue dedicated to dance, offering state-of-the-art facilities for a wide-ranging, year-round programme aimed at broad audiences. The House presents both Finnish and international dance and performing arts productions. Its programming consists of content produced by a range of cultural organisations as well as curated and commissioned productions by Dance House Helsinki itself. The operations of Dance House Helsinki are supported by the City of Helsinki and the Arts Promotion Centre Finland. The international guest performance series is supported by the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation.
