A.I.M by Kyle Abraham
In 2023, Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels is supporting the Joyce Theater in its presentation of a program comprised of five shows performed by A.I.M by Kyle Abraham.
Contemporary dance company A.I.M by Kyle Abraham is celebrated as “one of the most consistently excellent troupes working today” (The New York Times). Led by Kyle Abraham, A.I.M returns to the Joyce Theater with a repertory program that shows his brilliance as an artistic director constantly innovating the industry. Abraham will serve his signature postmodern gumbo – a unique blend of modern dance styles ranging from ballet to social dance, seasoned with human stories and social commentary, fueling a new movement in the dance world.
The program features three world premieres: MotorRover, a duet by Abraham created in collaboration with the dancers of A.I.M in response to an excerpt from Merce Cunningham’s 1972 Landrover; Uproot: love and legacy by A.I.M alum and Princess Grace Award-winning choreographer Maleek Washington featuring live music by composers KAMAUU and Kwinton Gray; and 5 Minute Dance (You Drivin'?), choreographed by Abraham and performed by A.I.M dancers and guest students from The Glorya Kaufman School of Dance at USC on select nights to music composed and arranged by Mercury Prize-nominated composer, Jlin.
This program also features the New York Company premiere of Bebe Miller’s legendary solo Rain and If We Were A Love Song, a dance exploration of love set to a soul-stirring Nina Simone soundtrack. This dynamic mix of dance performances masterfully showcases the range, grace, and power of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham.
Photo : © Tatiana Wills
About the artist
Kyle Abraham
Kyle Abraham is a 2013 MacArthur Fellow and the Artistic Director for A.I.M by Kyle Abraham. In addition to performing and developing new works for A.I.M, Abraham's choreography has been presented throughout the United States and internationally. Abraham has been commissioned by a variety of dance companies, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, National Ballet of Cuba, New York City Ballet, Paul Taylor American Modern Dance, and the Royal Ballet.
Abraham’s numerous honors include a Bessie Award (2010), Princess Grace Award (2010), Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award (2012), Doris Duke Award (2015) and Princess Grace Statue Award (2018). He was the recipient of artistic residencies with New York Live Arts (2012-14), New York City Center (2015), and The Joyce Theater (2017-18). He was selected as one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” for 2009. In 2011, OUT Magazine labeled Abraham as the “best and brightest creative talent to emerge in New York City in the age of Obama”.
Photo : © Carrie Schneider
