Choreographed performance about objects “One object, many stories”

It is normal in today’s consumer society, that every object has only one given function – like the comb is for combing, the broom is for sweeping the floor or money is for paying. Yet, many of us have some objects that are designed for a specific function but the user can actually use it for a whole other purpose or it can have another ulterior motive or value. Actually, it is the same with historical and archeological objects, in the case of which, it is important to look at different aspects – where the object is from, what does it look like, how old it is and what kind of written sources can be found about it. In the dance recital “One object, many stories”, the dancers depict stories that the archaeological findings of the exhibition might want to tell – you just need to observe the findings, the dancers and the room, and afterwards, as a researcher, write down your interpretation.

Explanation:

Altogether, there are six spots around the house where the dancers depict the objects with short scenes, which can be interpreted as one wishes.  The movements of the dancers are repeatable which means that it is possible to move around in the museum and have a look at the exhibitions at the same time. For the several functions of the objects, the dancer will signal with a clap when the function of the object has changed. The dancers depict stories about the objects’ creation, use, beliefs as well as new ways of use. If you have written down the interpretation, hand it over, take a leaflet and read what kind of stories the dancers told about the given objects.

Dance performance will take place three times at Tallinn City Museum (Vene 17) and on Vanaturu square:

27 September, 18.00–21.00, Researchers’ Night, for free

28 and 29 September, 12.00–15.00, with a ticket to the museum

Organisers: Küllike Tint, Suvi Tuominen

Choreographer: Suvi Tuominen

Texts: Küllike Tint

Dancers: Mikko Turpeinen (FIN), Ida Teeri (FIN), Nelli Ojapalo (FIN), Kirsi-Mari Lepik (EST);

Riveria Dance Department in North Karelia: Lisa Giebel (GER), Susanna Kinnunen( FIN);

The Department of Choreography in Tallinn  University: Ingrid Elsa Mugu (BA) (EST), Kärt Kurvist (BA) (EST).

Photos: Meeli Küttim, Jaan Künnap

Suvi Tuominen is an interdisciplinary artist working in the fields of dance, choreography, performance and archaeology. She is interested in in questions related to bodily archives, that is, the human body as an archive, the corporeal dimensions of materiality, and the intimacy between bodies, objects, spaces, landscapes, animals, insects and inanimate. Suvi holds a MA degree in archaeology, vocational degree in dance and currently she is studying at the University of Arts (Helsinki) in the Live Art and Performance Studies master’s programme.	Mikko Turpeinen (FIN) is a performing dancer and dance maker, graduated 2017 from Outokumpu, Finland. Currently he is studying theology in university of Helsinki and researching Capoeira (Brazilian martial art) as a spiritual practise in his master thesis. Turpeinen is also enthusiastic meditation practitioner.	Lisa Lotte Giebel (GER) lives in Outokumpu, Finland where she studies contemporary dance at Riveria Dance Vocational School while exploring improvisation, performance, language and composition as embodiments of art. She has worked with choreographers Patricia Carolin Mai, Sonya Lindfors, Rosalind Goldberg and Mimi Yoeng. Her own works are driven by the interest in vulnerability, asymmetry, optimism, minimalism, absurdity and the aspect of having a body while everything is movement.
Kärt Kurvist (BA) (EST) – “I started my dance journey when i was seven and since then i have had the opportunity to dance many different styles such as contemporary, estonian folk, street, disco dance, rhythmic gymnastics, etc. Right now i’m studying choreography in Tallinn University and I’m really glad that dance chose me.”	Ingrid Elsa Mugu (EST) – “I graduated from Choreography Department of Tallinn University in 2019. During my dancing years I have trained in many different dance styles but currently I am mostly active as a dancer and teacher in the local flamenco and folk dance scene.”	Ida Teeri (FIN) is finnish all-rounder in the fields of theatre and dance. She enjoys spontaneous non-verbal conversations, fluidity and long walks in silent forest.
Susanna Kinnunen (FIN) is a dance student from Finland who will soon graduate from Riveria Outokumpu Contemporary Dance Education. She finds it interesting to create movement in different locations where inspiration comes from shapes, surfaces, smells, colors and sounds.	Nelli Ojapalo (FIN) – “I’m a freelance dancer and choreographer working in the performing arts field in Southern Finland. My work is inspired by things and thoughts that can last through time. In addition to my work I also enjoy training with my dog and having long walks in the nature.”	Kirsi-Mari Lepik (EST) is a freelance dance teacher, choreograph and a dancer. She has been involved with various dance styles beginning with ballet and contemporary dance until folk and belly dance. In the moment she is focused on self development and on learning and teaching Middle East dances. She holds a MA degree in choreography from Tallinn University.