Recently, while giving dance classes to seniors, I have been particularly touched by how women stop to process verbal expressions into poetry in their bodies. They leave everything else for the duration of a dance class to gather around the transformation into poetry. They allow, respect and connect with others, work on rhythm and their own expressiveness. They shake me, unsettle me with their commitment. I feel they are opposing the world we live in. They do not consume, intoxicate or destroy, they dance. In a piece I made with them and four professional dancers, I think of women dancing as a place that is free from the desires of capitalism and patriarchy.  

Look me in the eyes / Katso minua silmiin

Choreography: Janina Rajakangas

Dance: Marjatta Grahn, Hannele Hieta-aho, Aulikki Jylhä, Päivi Kangas, Katriina Kantola, Eija Klinga, Maj Lindgren, Vera Nevanlinna, Ritva Punamäki-Sundblad, Iiris Raipala, Ulla Soulié, Arja Tschatalow, Elina Valtonen, Orvokki Weckström.

Sound design and music: Miki Brunou

Spatial design and costumes: Lotta Esko

Production: Kaikki liikkuu ry and Kitka Kollektiivi

Supporters: Arts Promotion Centre Finland, City of Helsinki 

In collaboration with: Stoa Cultural Centre, Vantaan tanssiopisto, Petri Kekoni Company

Kuvat: Marko Mäkinen

Premiere 22.5.2025