Review: Kuka pelkää tappajahaita

Choreographer Joona Halonen leads the dancers on a fearless adventure.

In the old days, the running game played in the yard was called “Who’s Afraid of Black
man?” Hardly any of the runners thought of a name, because they didn’t have a
significance. What mattered was fearlessness, running in the direction 
catcher and dodge at the last minute. The laughter was teasing, 
relieved and full of the elixir of life.

Choreographer Joona Halonen opens up play for life. He has uploaded to his book
Who is afraid of killer sharks in all aspects of yard play and even more.

The dancers of Helsinki Dance Company are looking for an answer to fear and fearlessness. 
Physical protection is strong, it is safe to jump under them, even if 
rolling into someone else’s lap or falling off the couch directly onto their back. Movement is 
strong and powerful, downright hypnotic. Fearlessness and trust in others are emphasized.

Besides, what is there to fear when a killer shark has been caught and put in 
garbage bag.

Clothes as an obstacle

Faux leather shirts and loose shorts made of the same material, wrestling helmets, 
-boots and even black gloves try to cover everything 
movement. But you can’t cover it up. Dance breaks through, through and through obstacles
brought up.

And what a dance! The dancers give it their all. Halonen’s movement is cannon 
in all directions. Still, it is difficult to look for a long time, to make out the message. Women 
are distinguished by the long hair that is revealed under their helmets. Otherwise, they are 
similar, black blobs. Even the minimalist soundscape is pressuring and 
anxiety for the viewer.

But under the black stage, the gloomy music and the clothes that cover everything,
life rises. A fearless, adventurous person pushes himself over obstacles. 
Events, action, movements, even humour stand out in the scenes.

and Sofia Hill, Kai Lähdesmäki, Heidi Naakka, Guillermo Sarduy, Eero 
Vesterinen and Sofia Ylinen’s dance wins every game.