Tampere Dance Current: double bill: Rock/Star vol.1 & check your body at the door

Högsten, Nikkilä, Rustamova: Rock/Star vol.1

ROCK/STAR Vol.I is a collaboration between dancer performer Johan Högsten, sound artist Henia Nikkilä and creative technologist Erika Rustamova. It’s a mixed reality audiovisual dance performance that focuses on exploring and interacting with a virtual cave environment through dance and choreography. Components constituting the performance are dance, real time live visuals, using motion capture technology and soundscape. The project was done as a part of Erika’s studies in Media Lab (artistic part of her Master Thesis)

Antikainen – Arenas: check your body at the door

“check your body at the door” is a solo performance that explores the intersection of Art History, Transgender Studies, and Contemporary Performance Art. Collaboratively created by artist Iria Arenas and choreographer Aura Antikainen, this innovative project delves into how art history has shaped contemporary perceptions of gender identity and body image in Western cultures.

Inspired by Édouard Manet’s groundbreaking painting “Olympia,” which challenged 19th-century norms by depicting the naked human body authentically, the performance sheds light on the enduring influence of art history. House Dance, a style originating from 1980s underground clubs in Chicago and New York, serves as the medium for this exploration.

“check your body at the door” uses humor and tenderness to challenge body stereotypes, encouraging a celebration of individuality free from societal norms. This performance invites audiences to engage with thought-provoking themes, fostering acceptance and dialogue in a visually captivating and emotionally resonant manner. It is a testament to the transformative power of dance and its ability to inspire change in contemporary society.