Hard things to swallow is a love letter to pole dancing, to vertical metal tubes, to tricks that are too difficult, and to those special training partners who never let you down.
The work by Camilla Rantanen, Pipsa Enqvist and their working group is a choreographic exploration through the art of pole dancing and through different kinds of poles. The performance tries to understand the pole as both an instrument and a dance partner — you can lean on it, but it can also be one of the most complex acrobatic apparatuses. Can a pole be used “wrong,” against expectations, with a sense of wonder? Is a pole something more than just a metal tube?
In the enchanting étude of two pole dancers, bodies intertwine, slide and breathe — during the act of swallowing, breath comes to a halt. The piece is an intense whirl and a trivial spectacle. The windpipe resonates.
In the performance, we train together, spin fast, climb high, and may even be swallowed by the stage. The hardest tricks aren’t meant to be mastered right away — neither in life nor in the practice room. The most loyal training partner helps; together you bend further. Isn’t there already a little more light in the world when you have someone to lean on?
Choreographer: Camilla Rantanen
Dramaturge: Pipsa Enqvist
Light and space designer: Teo Lanerva
Sound designer: Vili Pääkkö