The body is in flight even when it sinks in the darkest hour.

In the dance performance AIR BODY SAD, British-American choreographer Malik Nashad Sharpe and Norrdans invite the audience into a world of dark fantasy and horror. Here, every movement is a struggle between despair and hope. Through rhythmic and intense choreography, the work explores the boundaries of the body and what happens when it moves at the intersection of haunted margins and shiny popular culture.

Coloured by the intense fragility of coming of age films, AIR BODY SAD reflects the time in life when everything is uncertain, too much, too close. A time when the body is fumbling for belonging and harbours an inner rebellion that cannot be tamed.

Norrdans meets Malik Nashad Sharpe in a collaboration that challenges both traditions and senses. Together with an artistic team that moves effortlessly between art and popular culture, an experience is created in which melancholy and despair are not just goals, but starting points for finding light in the darkness.

AIR BODY SAD is part of the celebration of Norrdans’ 30th anniversary – three decades of exploring the power of movement, challenging norms and inviting unexpected encounters between body, heart and mind.

For youth from age 13 and adults.

Artist talk & introduction

On 20 October from 21:15–21:45, audiences are invited to an artist talk and introduction to AIR BODY SAD in the foyer. Participants in the talk are Malik Nashad Sharpe, choreographer, and Martin Forsberg, Artistic Director of Norrdans. The talk will be moderated by Nina Rasmussen, part of the curator team for the Arts & Activism program at Roskilde Festival.

Trigger warning

The performance contains smoke, strobe lighting, theater blood, and simulated violence.