Atmosphere Dance Piece

Time: Fri 27 June 2025, from 15:00 to 16:00
Place: Vallisaari Island

Atmosphere is choreographer and performance artist Kati Raatikainen’s dance piece that explores togetherness, breathing and a connection with the environment. Each time the performance takes place, it will involve collaboration with the participants, making every performance unique. The participants will receive brief instructions via headphones and react to them as they wish. The performance is experienced both as part of the group and as an individual person and it includes physical touching e.g. holding hands but it’s not compulsory.

• Languages: Finnish, Easy Finnish, English and Easy English
• Participation in the performance is free of charge.
• Ferry ticket prices: FRS Finland

Background

Air is a topical element, subject, concept, political challenge, and social and personal issue. It is a mixture of gases that forms the earth’s atmosphere. When we breathe, we become part of the atmosphere and the circulation of gases between different organisms: the boundary between internal and external space is penetrated. From the perspective of the exchange of gases, the distinction between me and you or me and a houseplant does not exist.

“In this piece, we will look at and explore the wonderful island of Vallisaari, its plants and its air. In addition to embracing the sense of wonder it evokes in us, we will move and co-exist with each other and celebrate by forming a circle, as people across the world and through ages have done. The performance may even give you a sense of belonging,” Kati Raatikainen explains.

Working group: Kati Raatikainen (concept and vocals), Markku Essel (sound design), Hanna Dufva (dramaturgical support and Easy Finnish translations), Noora Västinen (accessibility expert). English-language vocals: Georgie Goater. Assistants: Nita Willberg, Kaarina Koistinen.

Thank you to the attendees of the Reality Research Center’s score course.

The performances are part of a project realised with the assistance of Art for Everyone funding from the Finnish Cultural Foundation. The project involves open performance events and workshops and day camps realised with partners. Partners: Kehitysvammatuki 57 and Lyhty ry.