Raised on Rhythm - Riksteater/ Niki Tsappos

Rhythms are everywhere – in the thump of jump ropes on the asphalt and in the steps from the stairwell. And they do something to us, if we let them. In Raised on Rhythm, choreographer and freestyle pioneer Niki “Awandee” Tsappos wants to draw our attention to how rhythms unite, free and set people in motion. But where does a rhythm begin and where does it end? With Sweden’s hip-hop dance legend Damon Frost as narrator and spiritual guide, a winding journey begins in the universe of rhythms. The beats he makes in the moment are combined with recorded music co-created with Erik Hjärpe, also known as Voz Vibrante. The four dancers Damon Frost, Amalie Sasha Schanke, Yared Tilahun Cederlund and Rebecca Wolete invite the audience to games and rituals, where they let the rhythms propagate in the room and become a common pulse.

Niki “Awandee” Tsappos has danced to her own beat since a young age. Today, she inspires her global dance community as an award-winning dancer, choreographer, teacher and judge.

In 2022, the Riksteatern presented Niki “Awandee” Tsappos’ full-length work Head Peace. The world premiere of “Raised on Rhythm” took place at the Dramaten, where it played to sold-out crowds in the spring of 2023.

The performance is suitable for the whole family. Riksteatern in collaboration with Unga Dramaten

Authors and artistic team Choreographer: Niki Tsappos Music: Erik Hjärpe Scenography: Emma Fallde, Tina Paulson Costume: Ellen X Lighting: Jesper Larsson Wig and mask: Moa Hedberg Dramaturge: Anna Kölén Photo poster image: AORTA Sound: Björn Lönnroos Photo performance images: Senay Berhe Participating & co-creating dancers: Damon Frost, Amalie Sasha Schanke, Yared Tilahun Cederlund, Rebecca Wolet

Presented by Malmö Dance Week and IVER.