Iconic Production by Legendary Choreographer Akram Khan Coming to Estonia

On February 25 and 26, 2025, the iconic ballet performance Chotto Desh by Akram Khan, one of the world’s most influential choreographers and a revolutionary in contemporary dance, will be staged at the Russian Theater in Tallinn. Tickets for the performance are now available on Piletilevi.

Chotto Desh is an adaptation of Khan’s solo work DESH, blending memories and myths of the UK and Bangladesh. The original production earned him the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award in 2012.

Critics worldwide have unanimously praised this performance. The Telegraph described each scene as magical and emotionally intense. The Independent highlighted Khan’s mastery in creating vast universes from a single gesture, while The Wonderful World of Dance lauded the visual effects as “hypnotic expressions of the deepest human emotions.” More than just a dance performance, Chotto Desh is a poetic journey of self-discovery that resonates equally with children and adults.

For Chotto Desh, Khan collaborated with visual artist Timmy Yip, an Academy Award winner for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; composer Jocelyn Pook; and lighting designer Michael Hulls. The Tallinn performances will showcase their enchanting stage animations that seamlessly merge urban landscapes and fairytale forests.

Akram Khan – A Choreographer Who Speaks the Language of the Soul

Akram Khan is more than a choreographer – he is a legend, widely recognized as an innovator of contemporary dance who has redefined the art form globally.

Khan’s story begins even before his birth. In 1974, his parents fled war-torn India and sought refuge in the United Kingdom. Akram was born shortly after their arrival in Wimbledon. This dual cultural heritage, influenced by both Asia and Europe, became the foundation of Khan’s unique artistic language. Through his work, he uses universal forms of expression that resonate powerfully with audiences, evoking awe and admiration.

Having studied the classical Indian temple dance form kathak as a child, Khan pursued contemporary dance at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds, graduating with the highest marks in the school’s history. He first performed as a child, playing the lead role of Mowgli at London’s Indian Dance Academy. At just 13, he appeared in Peter Brook’s iconic nine-hour production of The Mahabharata and later in its television adaptation. He honed his craft further at De Montfort University in Leicester and worked with renowned Belgian dancer and choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker.

Did he consider classical ballet? “Yes,” Khan admits. After watching recordings of Baryshnikov and Nureyev at the age of 19, he took his first ballet class, hoping to make an impression. “But it had the opposite effect,” Khan laughs. “That’s how I ended my ballet career – and began my journey as a choreographer.”

Initially, he explored the possibilities of his body by creating solo pieces. Later, he founded the Akram Khan Company, assembling some of the world’s best dancers, selected from thousands of applicants for each project.

By the early 2000s, Khan had won all the major British critical awards and had become one of the UK’s most important cultural icons. The Queen awarded him the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire. The legendary ballerina Sylvie Guillem approached him to create a piece for her, which Khan credits with helping him understand the essence of classical ballet.

Khan continued to perform lead roles until 2019, when, at the age of 45, he announced he would no longer take on major roles (though for other parts – who knows?).

Khan has a large and devoted following. Some have been captivated by his work since his early productions. Others discovered him through his iconic reinterpretation of Giselle, becoming lifelong fans. Many consider Khan a spiritual guide, a guru of contemporary dance who brings profound truths to the stage.

It is a tremendous privilege for Estonian audiences to begin their journey into Akram Khan’s artistry with a ballet production that is perfectly suited for family audiences. Chotto Desh, which has captivated audiences on the world’s most prestigious stages, will be performed at the Russian Theater in Tallinn on February 25 and 26, 2025.