Dance performance “Svartir fuglar” premieres at Tjarnarbíó during Art Without Borders festival

The dance performance “Svartir fuglar” (Black Birds), choreographed by Lara Stefánsdóttir, had its world premiere today at the “List án landamæra” (Art Without Borders) festival in Tjarnarbíó. The lead dancer of the performance shared how dance assists her in expressing her emotions.

“Svartir fuglar” is inspired by poems from Elísabet Jökulsdóttir and features an inclusive collaboration involving Lara Þorsteinsdóttir, a dancer on the autism spectrum, who is also the main dancer in the production. Alongside her, the cast includes Sigurður Edgar Andersen and Íris Ásmundardóttir. The choreographer decided to create this piece specifically for Þorsteinsdóttir after discovering her talent during a Pilates class.

“Lara has danced since birth; it’s amazing when dance is something innate, something in the nerves, cells, and skin,” said the choreographer. Meanwhile, Þorsteinsdóttir remarked, “Dance helps me show how I feel, and I simply enjoy dancing.”

The performance will be showcased again next Saturday, a week from today, allowing more audiences to experience this unique blend of poetry and dance that emphasizes emotional expression through movement.