Dance House Helsinki’s international guest performance series continues in October with one of the most compelling voices in American contemporary dance. Kyle Abraham brings his latest work Cassette Vol. 1 to Finland – a show steeped in nostalgia and camp, drawing its energy from 1980s and ’90s pop music and the rise of the music video. Tickets for performances on 29–31 October are now on sale.

Over the past two decades, Kyle Abraham has become an internationally acclaimed choreographer whose work weaves together Black American culture, queer perspectives, and the diversity of contemporary dance. He has created commissioned works for companies such as New York City Ballet and The Royal Ballet, while his artistic home remains with his own company, A.I.M by Kyle Abraham.

Cassette Vol. 1 is a tribute to the music of the 1980s and early ’90s – an era when pop music took over both everyday life and public space. Ten dancers perform dynamic choreographies set to tracks by New Wave and pop icons such as The Bangles, Cyndi Lauper and Billy Idol. The movement language draws inspiration from postmodern dance legends like Trisha Brown, 1980s queer culture, and the aesthetics of the emerging music video scene.

The result is an evening rich in camp and nostalgia, exploring the multifaceted nature of the Black experience and how it is received in American culture.

The performances will be accompanied by artist talks, workshops and other contextual programming.

Kyle Abraham’s work was last seen in Finland in 2018 as part of the Helsinki Festival. With the support of the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, Dance House Helsinki’s international guest performance series continues next 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