All Of It: The Rise of Choreographer Kyle Abraham

Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Kyle Abraham, Choreographer and Founder of AIM Abraham in Motion
Release Date: May 15, 2025
Location: WNYC Studios, Soho

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, Alison Stewart delves into the world of contemporary dance with renowned choreographer Kyle Abraham. The conversation explores Abraham's creative journey, his groundbreaking work with the New York City Ballet, and his vision for the future of dance.

Kyle Abraham's Early Journey in Dance

Discovering Dance Through Hip Hop

Kyle Abraham's foray into dance began unconventionally through hip hop rather than traditional ballet. Speaking at [02:25], Abraham shares:

“I have an older sister who's five years older than me and you know, she would teach me all the dances of that time, the prep, the Roger Rabbit, you know, all the things that run a man, the Dougie.”

This early exposure to diverse dance styles laid the foundation for his versatile approach to choreography.

Deciding on a Dance Career

Abraham recalls his unwavering passion for dance from a young age. At [02:54], he states:

“I always thought that I was going to be involved with dance. Even before I knew what a choreographer was, I was like, I'm gonna be a choreographer.”

A pivotal moment came when he witnessed the Joffrey Ballet perform to Prince's music, expanding his perception of movement and creativity.

Influences and Inspirations

Admiration for Pioneers

The Bill T. Jones Company had a significant impact on Abraham during his high school years. At [03:40], he expresses his admiration:

“Seeing a dancer, Arthur Aviles, just really blew my mind. He was so profoundly confident in the way that he spoke about himself and the way that he talked about movement.”

This experience underscored the importance of athleticism and storytelling in dance for Abraham.

Choreographic Style: Postmodern Gumbo

Ingredients of Abraham's Unique Style

Describing his choreographic approach as a "postmodern gumbo" at [04:55], Abraham breaks down the components:

“The roux is in social dance... my experience growing up going to hip hop parties and house parties and being heavily involved in the rave scene.”

He blends social dance elements with the experimental nature of postmodern dance, drawing inspiration from choreographers like Trisha Brown and Merce Cunningham.

When We Fell: From Film to Live Performance

Creation and Collaboration

"When We Fell" is a 15-minute black-and-white film choreographed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Abraham explains the collaboration with the New York City Ballet at [05:35]:

“If you give me some space and you give me some dancers, I'm gonna make something.”

The film captures the isolation felt during the pandemic and was later adapted for live performance, presenting unique challenges in translation from screen to stage.

Visual and Musical Choices

Abraham intentionally opted for stark visuals and minimalistic costumes to complement the piano-driven score, drawing inspiration from composers like Morton Feldman. At [06:16], he reflects:

“How can we bring in Morton Feldman, Jason Moran, Nico Muhli? All very different composers who treat the piano in very different ways.”

The use of sounds like snow and rain adds a poetic layer to the performance, symbolic of his connection to winter and its melancholic beauty.

Adapting to Live Performance

Transitioning from Film to Stage

Adapting "When We Fell" for live audiences involved reimagining elements such as stage entry and spatial dynamics. At [10:15], Abraham discusses working closely with rehearsal director Rebecca Crone to bridge the differences between film and live performance.

Incorporating New Design Elements

The live rendition introduced new lighting and costume designs, enhancing the sensory experience for the audience and maintaining the essence of the original film.

Collaboration and Vulnerability

Importance of Openness

Abraham emphasizes the necessity of vulnerability in collaborative settings. At [11:29], he states:

“To make the most honest work, I need to be able to be open and be vulnerable with my collaborators, and I'm going to need that back from them as well.”

He values collaborators who are willing to take risks and embrace the creative process with humility and openness.

Navigating Challenges

Addressing potential resistance, Abraham highlights the role of humor and support in fostering a safe creative environment. At [13:04], he notes:

“Everybody has some sense of humor. And I love it all... finding ways to kind of crack someone open in a supportive way.”

AIM Abraham in Motion: Company Mission and Vision

Celebrating Identity and Diversity

Abraham's company, AIM Abraham in Motion, centers on representing and celebrating his Black queer identity. At [14:01], he explains:

“We can talk about my black queer identity in a way that doesn't make anyone feel unwanted, but makes all of us feel celebrated.”

The mission fosters an inclusive space where diverse histories and experiences are honored and shared.

Selecting Dancers

Abraham looks for dancers who embody curiosity and a deep understanding of various dance forms. At [14:33], he shares:

“I want people who know Merce Cunningham and Martha Graham... I want them to be curious and want them to find out more about them.”

This approach ensures a rich tapestry of influences within his company.

Overcoming Personal Challenges

Battling Stage Fright

Even as a successful choreographer, Abraham grapples with stage fright. At [15:50], he confides:

“It's trying to be as centered as possible and know that whatever space I'm in, someone put me there because they believe in me.”

His strategies include focusing on the present moment and drawing strength from personal and familial support.

Motivation in Uncertain Times

Navigating DEI Challenges

Amidst rising challenges to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Abraham remains motivated by seeking joy and inspiration in the arts. At [17:16], he reflects on the enduring struggle and creative resilience required to persevere.

Sources of Joy

Abraham finds joy in various cultural experiences, from attending dance performances to visiting museums. At [18:00], he mentions:

“I go everywhere... I saw some dance just the other day. I go to the theater. I saw Anna Sperber's show... I go to museums.”

Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Milestones

Upcoming Performances and Tours

With "When We Fell" premiering at the New York City Ballet, Abraham is also preparing for AIM's 20th-anniversary season. At [18:28], he shares:

“We have a lot of international touring... new works premiering in 2026 and 27.”

These projects signify continued growth and innovation in his artistic journey.

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by highlighting the anticipation for "When We Fell"'s live premiere and expressing excitement for Abraham's future endeavors. The conversation underscores Kyle Abraham's commitment to blending diverse dance forms, fostering inclusive spaces, and pushing the boundaries of contemporary choreography.

Notable Quotes:

• Kyle Abraham [02:25]: "I have an older sister who's five years older than me and you know, she would teach me all the dances of that time..."

• Kyle Abraham [02:54]: "I always thought that I was going to be involved with dance. Even before I knew what a choreographer was..."

• Kyle Abraham [04:55]: "The roux is in social dance... my experience growing up going to hip hop parties..."

• Kyle Abraham [11:29]: "To make the most honest work, I need to be able to be open and be vulnerable with my collaborators..."

• Kyle Abraham [14:01]: "We can talk about my black queer identity in a way that doesn't make anyone feel unwanted, but makes all of us feel celebrated."

• Kyle Abraham [17:16]: "I don't know if these times have been... but as a black queer person, I think some of the negativity... is in new ways."

This episode of All Of It offers an intimate look into Kyle Abraham's artistic philosophy, his dedication to cultural representation, and his relentless pursuit of innovation in dance. Whether you're a dance enthusiast or new to the art form, Abraham's insights provide a profound understanding of the intersections between culture, identity, and movement.