World premiere
Duration
1h 10'
White Space
A.I.M by Kyle Abraham
© Carrie Schneider
Sala Teatro
Past event
14 June 2026
16:00
White Space
A.I.M by Kyle Abraham
© Carrie Schneider
Sala Teatro
Past event
14 June 2026
16:00
Kyle Abraham’s White Space makes its world premiere, a work that fully embodies the stylistic signature of this visionary American choreographer: a personal fusion of classical and contemporary dance infused with a hip-hop spirit.
The show challenges forms and expectations, oscillating between theatrical and physical ideals of confrontation and dialogue. On stage, eleven extraordinary dancers from the A.I.M by Kyle Abraham company move immersed in a restless and stimulating universe, set to original music by the renowned composers Jason Moran and Nico Muhly, which underpins Abraham’s latest choreographic creation.
The score is performed live by two pianists on a single piano, whilst echoes of pre-recorded hip-hop accompany and intensify the encounter between reality and idealism.
Choreographer’s Note
I keep thinking about Einstein’s quote about imagination being more important than knowledge.
The resurgence of this quote in my life, at this very moment, has me thinking a lot about the freedoms that I imagined were unwaveringly possible in my mind once dance came into my life.
I felt unburdened by the approval of others.
Dance felt unburdened.
Dance felt free.
But as I got older, the stakes of performance and career trajectory began to cloud my vision.
Beyond criticism, I felt stifled by what people near and far thought I deserved or didn’t deserve.
Can I just be? Can I just make whatever feels the most authentic to me? Can I live/create in a space from the many facets of my dance journey?
Social dance vernacular, ballet, modern, dance theater, sad realities and reflections, comedy and the ridiculous…Is the white canvas available to me?
Have I seen or experienced too much to move through this world with any sort of limitless freedom?
In January 2025, the United States government restricted use of certain words that I would normally use to describe myself or the communities that I am most often advocating for.
It left me questioning what do I need to say or do to present my most authentic self.
Is it possible for a ___ artist to title a work “White Space” without people thinking of ___?
It’s not about being ___ But rather being ___ and free.
choreography
Kyle Abraham
in collaboration with
A.I.M
performers
Mykiah Goree
Alysia Johnson
Suzy Mondesir
Faith Joy Mondesire
Destin Morisset
William Okajima
Donovan Reed
Luc Simpson
Niya Smith
Gianna Theodore
Olivia Wang
music
Jason Moran
Nico Muhly
lighting
Dan Scully
scenic design
Glenn Ligon
costume design
Reid Bartelme
Harriet Jung
dramaturg
Charlotte Brathwaite
artistic advisor
Risa Steinberg
Muhly’s composition presented under license from Chester Music LTD, copyright owners.
White Space is co-commissioned by Jacob's Pillow; LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura; PEAK Performances, Montclair State University; with the support of Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Creation of the White Space score was supported by New Music USA’s Organization Fund in 2025-26, with additional commissioning funds provided by the O’Donnell-Green Music and Dance Foundation. White Space was created in part during a Pillow Lab residency at Jacob’s Pillow, made possible by support from the Vivienne Jones Endowment Fund at Jacob's Pillow.
Artistic Director
Kyle Abraham
Executive Director
Emily Waters
A.I.M Board of Directors
Kyle Abraham
Suzanne Hall, Chair
Cheryl Bergenfeld
Adrienne Edwards
Karen Hogan
Mark A. Leavitt
Glenn Ligon
Jennifer Mandelson
Wendy McCain
Gary Mezzatesta
Bebe Neuwirth
Kimberly Pirtle
Carrie Schneider
Stephen Simcock
Gilda Squire
Julia Strickland
Mickalene Thomas
Martin Wechsler
Board Emeritus
Chris Calkins
A.I.M Staff:
Director of Touring and Artistic Operations
Ben Pryor
Rehearsal Director
Jessica Tong
Logistics Manager
Matthew Baker
Production Stage Manager
Meredith Belis
Development Manager and Board Liaison
Danielle LeBron
Touring Logistics Lead
Micaelina Carter
Marketing Lead
Alexander Diaz
Lighting Supervisor
Dan Stearns
Press Agent
Chris Constable
Financial Services
Lucy Mallett
Julia Corrigan, Arts FMS
It 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.