A.I.M by Kyle Abraham on May 12, 2026 | UCSB Arts & Lectures

Kyle Abraham, Artistic Director

“[Abraham] likes to spread the love with his company, A.I.M, and, in doing so, broaden the viewer’s experience of what a dance concert… can be.” The New York Times

“Lush movement, infectious music, and magnetic dancers.” The New York Times

MacArthur Fellow Kyle Abraham is one of the most dynamic and in-demand choreographers working today. A bold, innovative creator, Abraham has crafted works for New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and many more. In this, his 20th anniversary season, Abraham returns with three powerful dances set to the live music that inspired them. Genre-blurring pianist Robert Glasper contributes “The Gettin’,” inspired by Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite. Vocalist Crystal Monee Hall channels the soul of Nina Simone, while saxophonist Shelley Washington scores 2x4, a bold study in contrast. Known for his emotionally charged, socially engaged work, Abraham delivers a powerful portrait of love, loss and transformation – personal, political and deeply human.

Program
Kyle Abraham:
The Gettin’ (music: Robert Glasper’s interpretation of We Insist! Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite)
If We Were a Love Song (music: Nina Simone)
2x4 (music: Shelley Washington)