Introduction

An exhilarating evening brimming with nostalgia and camp, by the leading figure of contemporary American dance.

Dance House Helsinki’s international guest performance series continues with Cassette Vol. 1, a new work by Kyle Abraham. Over the past two decades, he has become internationally acclaimed for works that weave together Black American culture, queer perspectives and the diverse languages of contemporary dance. In addition to creating commissioned works for companies such as New York City Ballet and The Royal Ballet, a central part of Abraham’s artistic practice takes place with his own company, A.I.M by Kyle Abraham.

In Cassette Vol. 1 he pays tribute to the music of the 1980s and early 90s when pop music became omnipresent in public life. To the soundtrack of a decade, the dancers show through rousing choreographies how pop music shapes society into a universal experience. With multifaceted movement material inspired by postmodern icons such as Trisha Brown and the evolution of queer culture in the 80s, Abraham creates an evening saturated with camp and nostalgia, highlighting the richness of Black experience and its reception within American culture.

The performances are part of the Dance House Helsinki's series of international guests, which brings the most interesting dance groups and artists to Finland. The series is supported by the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation.