Mixed Bill

Dearest Home, An Untitled Love, If we were a Love Song, Ne Me Quitte Pas – even the titles of his works sound like a love compilation. Kyle Abraham combines ballet, modern dance and urban dance styles in his work to create unique worlds of movement. “Hope is a Movement”, this phrase serves both as a guiding principle and a space for reflection within his art. Coming from the realm of so-called social dance, Abraham once danced house in clubs. Today, he choreographs for major companies such as New York City Ballet and The Royal Ballet in London and has collaborated with artists such as Sufjan Stevens and Beyoncé. Now, in their 20th-anniversary season, Kyle Abraham and his renowned New York–based company A.I.M are coming to Germany. In cooperation with HELLERAU – European Centre for the Arts in Dresden, the REAL DANCE Festival presents a mixed-bill evening featuring a world premiere and three outstanding repertory works.

In 2x4, four dancers and two baritone saxophones engage in an intense dialogue of closeness, power, and care. Abraham asks how conflict can lead to camaraderie and change as the dancers carefully lean into one another in search of support and connection.

Dearest Home (Excerpt) is a poetic piece about love, longing, and loss. Originally developed for six dancers as a composition of solos, duets, and a trio, A.I.M is presenting an excerpt from this intimate work as a duet in Hanover. It is a love letter to relationships, a meditation on memory.

Show Pony reflects on visibility, role models, and self-perception. This energetic solo explores the pressure and tension between external expectations and inner experience. Through a commanding presence and the dynamic interplay of body, music, and light, it creates a multi-layered atmosphere that centers on individual expression.

Meditation Reprise, the new production by A.I.M, celebrates its world premiere in Germany. Incorporating a voice-over recording by Carrie Mae Weems and visual works by Titus Kaphar, this ensemble work connects Abraham’s dance origins with private and shared memories. An opening night that sets collective hope in motion.

Before each performance, Melanie Zimmermann will give an approximately 20 min. introduction in the foyer, providing background information about the work. The introduction will take place in German. 

A.I.M by Kyle Abraham has, for nearly two decades, been at the forefront of contemporary dance, becoming one of the most acclaimed touring companies in the world. Celebrating its 20th anniversary throughout 2026, the company exemplifies “lush movement, infectious music and magnetic dancers..." as noted by The New York Times. A.I.M has been featured in Vogue, Essence, among many other publications, and was on the April 2025 cover of the Harper’s Bazaar. The company is described as a “postmodern gumbo” with an ardent voice and artistic process informed by robust conversations with people from diverse perspectives. A.I.M performs works by Abraham as well as new and existing works by choreographers who have influenced Abraham’s artistry. A.I.M is based in New York City.