Dancer deals with hierarchies, group formation, exclusion, polyphony and being a dancer. It started from a need to be able to do more diverse and inclusive work as a choreographer. I live now and have lived in my childhood in a neurodiverse family. These experiences have raised the need to process the concept of being a dancer in a neurodiverse working group. I think that dancing as a profession is also a way of life and an alternative, it is not defined by diagnoses, academies or institutions.
Choreography: Janina Rajakangas
Performers: Aino Laine, Rinja Sartolahti, Maija Reeta Raumanni, Ninu Lindfors, Maria Mäkelä, Kielo Kivinen, Bruno Zambrano, Tinja Nerkko, Tashi Iwaoka and interns Juska Ojajärvi, Vilma Tuomi ja Saara Milton (Riveria, degree programme in dance Outokumpu), and Miika Luukko (Vocational College Live, degree programme in dance)
Lighting and spatial design: Mateus Manninen
Sound design: Tuuli Kyttälä
Costume design: Kirsi Gum
Seamstress: Minna Kiiskinen
Designer of blue hats: Elina Lario
Dancers' support and accessible working: Jasmiina Sipilä
Audience engagement producer: Minna Jauho
Producer: Ulrika Vilke
Mentor: Frauke Requardt
Social media and experiential knowledge on neurodiversity: Fri Nilas Lindell
Production: Entirely Moved I Kaikki Liikkuu ry
Co-producers: Zodiak - Center for New Dance, Kiasma Theater, CODA Oslo International Dance Festival (Norway)
In collaboration with: Northern Sustainable Futures (Sweden)
Supported by: Nordic Culture Point, Finnish Cultural Foundation, Arts Promotion Center Finland, Culture Moves Europe, Finnish-Norwegian Cultural Foundation
Teaser: Sinem Kayacan
Photos below: Ilkka Saastamoinen
Dancer premiered at Kiasma Theatre, Helsinki in September 2023
