Simo’s practice merges dance, somatics, community work, writing, nightlife, bodywork and performance. With a background in futures research and journalism, he began exploring dance and performance in Berlin 13 years ago and has since been an active part of the city’s independent dance world. His choreographies, performances and residencies have taken place at venues like Sophiensaele, Kampnagel, Uferstudios, Delphi Theater, and across Berlin’s queer-somatic scene (Stretch Festival, Fortuna Wetten, Ponderosa). In Helsinki, he has shared his body-based work at Zodiak, Kiasma, Ateneum x UrbanApa and R4. A recurring theme in his work is the fusion of dance and rave culture with psychoanalysis and futures thinking – a method he calls Night Thinking, which he also brings into collaborations with universities, companies and research institutes.
For YPAM, Simo will explore the possibility of a Japan tour with Skidit, a kids’ culture collective he co-creates with others in Helsinki. Founded ten years ago, Skidit produces playful, multisensory performances and workshops combining movement, music, design and crafts – seen at e.g. Flow Festival, Helsinki Festival, Helsinki Design Week, Maailma kylässä, the City of Helsinki’s New Year, Post Bar, and internationally at the Nordic Embassies in Berlin. With a rotating group of performing and visual artists – many rooted in rave and club culture – Skidit brings joy, vitality and unexpected bursts into spaces of music, art and nightlife. Its events blur the boundaries between children’s and adult culture, creating shared experiences for all.
Meet Simo Vassinen at YPAM 2025.