About Friends of Forsythe

Friends of Forsythe is not only a celebration of dance, but a powerful statement on the importance of legacy, collaboration, and innovation in the world of dance. William Forsythe, revered worldwide as one of the most creative innovators of the ballet tradition, has always been dedicated to mentoring emerging talents and passing on his knowledge to the next generation. Therefore, in this work, Forsythe collaborates with Rauf “Rubberlegz” Yasit and a talented group of dancers from diverse cultural and stylistic backgrounds, including folk dance, hip hop, and ballet. The piece explores the roots and origins of these different dance forms, emphasizing the connections and dialogues between them.

The collaboration between Forsythe and these dancers is not only a meeting of styles, but also one of shared histories. Brigel Gjoka and Riley Watts, both former members of The Forsythe Company, carry on his legacy with a deep understanding of his methods and movement vocabulary. Rauf “Rubberlegz” Yasit, who performed in Forsythe’s A Quiet Evening of Dance, bridges the gap between contemporary and urban dance, enriching the work with his unique perspective. Aidan Carberry and Jordan Johnson of the JA Collective, whose choreographies combine hip-hop and contemporary dance forms with intricate pedestrian movements, were mentored by Forsythe as students at USC Kaufman’s inaugural class.

“This program is designed to showcase the talents of several colleagues with whom I have had the pleasure of working and whom I believe have significant skill in a very specialized branch of choreography. This is a form of abstract dance originating in the domain of what might be categorized as Street or Urban Dance, and then very specifically, the style of Threading and, in the case of Yasit, Abstract Breaking. This is work whose formal rigor and craft I deeply admire and respect. My contribution to the evening is a work that uses a tightly focused relationship that is independent of musical cues, to illuminate the inherent musicality of choreographic structure”. (William Forsythe)

Forsythe’s contribution to the project exemplifies his longstanding approach to choreography. Since the 1970s, he has revolutionized dance by intelligently developing academic ballet in a way that frees the human body from its predetermined corset and broadens choreographic expression in unprecedented ways. Through his method of deconstructing and reimagining dance structures, Forsythe invites both dancers and audiences to experience movement in new and challenging ways.

Rauf “Rubberlegz” Yasit and William Forsythe first collaborated in Forsythe’s A Quiet Evening of Dance (2018). Rauf is an internationally recognized dancer and choreographer known for his exceptional flexibility and unique style. With his innovative approach, he blends various dance techniques, including hip-hop, contemporary, and breaking, earning a reputation as one of the leading dancers in the urban dance scene.

“My practice is about constructing and breaking movement systems—creating frameworks, then disrupting them to build something new. Movement, like a language, has rules, but they must evolve to avoid stagnation. Abstraction plays a key role in this process, allowing me to strip movement down to its core and rebuild it in unexpected ways. I set parameters and push against them, letting the body find new pathways. This constant tension between structure and disruption fuels my creativity, keeping my practice in motion. Evolution is essential—not just in my work but in my motivation to keep exploring. Without it, movement becomes static”. (Rauf "Rubberlegz" Yasit)

In Friends of Forsythe, the dancers explore the similarities and differences between their respective styles. The piece celebrates the uniqueness of each form, embracing their evolution and fusion in a way that challenges traditional dance structures. The dancers are not merely performers but collaborators and creators in the ongoing process, reinterpreting and reshaping the legacy they inherit from their different perspectives and desires. This intergenerational project aims to bridge established dance forms and the unfolding expressions of contemporary culture by pushing the boundaries of what dance can express in this ever-evolving landscape. Highlighting the power of movement to deconstruct and redefine boundaries, the project ensures that Forsythe’s groundbreaking work continues to evolve through the creativity and vision of a new generation of dancers.

Friends of Forsythe takes us on a journey where movement, as a universal language, connects us across time, space, and culture. Dance as a timeless and ever-transformative force.