Join the Department of Performing and Media Arts for Professional Directions: A Conversation with Kyle Abraham on Thursday, March 5, from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm, in Reading Room 124, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts. Free and open to the public. Tickets are not required. The guest will join virtually on Zoom.
MacArthur Genius Fellow and internationally acclaimed choreographer Kyle Abraham will speak about his career at the forefront of contemporary dance — from establishing and producing his prolific body of work as an independent choreographer and founding artistic director of A.I.M./Abraham.In.Motion, to tours and commissions for renowned companies and stages, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and New York City Ballet.
What does it mean to pursue choreography as a profession? How is that career built and sustained over time?
Abraham and his work is a defining voice in 21st century contemporary dance and performance.
Kyle Abraham (Founder and Artistic Director, A.I.M. by Kyle Abraham; He/Him) has premiered his work to international audiences and acclaim since 2006. Profiled in a number of high profile international publications, Abraham has been nominated and received several accolades including two National Dance Critics Awards for Choreography (2024 and 2025); Princess Grace Statue Award (2018); Doris Duke Award (2016) and The MacArthur Fellowship (2013). In addition to performing and developing new works for A.I.M., Abraham has been commissioned by dance companies, including American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York City Ballet, and The Royal Ballet. He premiered “Dear Lord, Make Me Beautiful” at the Park Avenue Armory in 2024. In 2025, Abraham premiered new works to acclaim including “2x4,” “Wrecka Stow” for ABT as part of Misty Copland’s farewell performance and is the choreographer for the new Xtravaganza musical. Abraham also choreographed Copland in the Cynthia Erivo short-form film, “No Good Deed” as part of the Wicked: For Good promotion. @kyle_abraham_original_recipe
Professional Directions is a yearlong series where the department invites industry experts to share about their career journeys (from choreographers and directors to filmmakers, costume and set designers, sound artists, screenwriters and playwrights, actors, dancers, producers, critics, and dramaturgs—all disciplines that the department offers courses in). Professional Directions sessions also give the students opportunities to ask questions and share curiosities with the guests.
