Coming up: Courtship display (BIRDS OF PARADISE) – 2026

COMING UP: COURTSHIP DISPLAY (BIRDS OF PARADISE) (2026)

29.04.2024: Extremely happy to share that the new choreographic pilot COURTSHIP DISPLAY (BIRDS OF PARADISE) (2026) has been selected to the Finale of Danse Élargie choreographic competition in Paris – as the first ever finale entry from Finland! We are presenting the 10 minute version on June 15th at Theatre De La Ville; the full length piece is planned to premiere in 2026. We are looking for residency and co-production opportunities nationally and internationally!


TIIA KASURINEN (FIN): COURTSHIP DISPLAY (BIRDS OF PARADISE)

Photo: Jessica North

COURTSHIP DISPLAY (BIRDS OF PARADISE) is a dance piece and an abstract drag king show inspired by mating strategies of the male birds-of-paradise. Wearing costumes from the collection “No Pain No Glamour” by Leevi Ikäheimo (38th Festival d’Hyères Fashion Finalist), the performers morph into utopian birds; practicing and performing extravagant courtship dances inspired by Tekken 3, boy bands, club culture and post-Internet humans.

Through both animalistic and human-resembled rituals of seduction, the performance taps into the themes of masculinity, gaze, display of power as well as dominance hierarchies.

The full length performance premieres in 2026.

“Inspired by birds, Tekken 3, power and social performances”

Video filmed by Ronja Salla

Tiia Kasurinen (FIN): COURTSHIP DISPLAY (BIRDS OF PARADISE)

Concept, choreography and direction: Tiia Kasurinen

Performance: Tiia Kasurinen, Lauri Lohi, Kaisu Koittola, Tiikka Drama

Sound design: Tiikka Drama

Costume design: Leevi Ikäheimo: No Pain No Glamour

Supported by: The Finnish Cultural Foundation, Zodiak – Centre for New Dance / LOISTO, Institute Finlandais, Danse Èlargie

Videography: Ronja Salla

Residency: Zodiak – Centre for New Dance Helsinki / LOISTO

Production: Tiia Kasurinen

Group piece premiering 2026

More info coming soon

Photo: Jessica North