TantsuMENÜÜ x Dance Production “Eight” (“Kaheksa”) x Igor Lider

 

What happens when individuals start moving as a single organism?

“Eight” is a contemporary dance performance driven not by linear storytelling, but by emotion, atmosphere, and the evocative visual language of movement. On stage, a collective of dancers continuously shift in form, dynamics and states of being, merging distinct bodies into one unified entity. It is a powerplay, a compelling exploration of physical presence, collaboration and human dynamics as the boundaries between “I” and “we” begin to dissolve.

 

The production draws energy from its distinctive cast, bringing together Estonian dance artists from different backgrounds. Fresh momentum from the emerging generation meets the stage maturity of more experienced performers, creating a rich, fresh synergy born from diverse experiences and movement vocabularies.

 

Choreographer and composer Igor Lider is a distinctive visionary force in the Estonian dance scene. Alongside his long-standing collaboration with the Estonian Dance Agency, he is widely recognized as the choreographer behind Tommy Cash’s memorable performance at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. One of his former works also earned him a nomination at the Estonian Theatre Awards in 2023.

 

In Lider’s creative world, sound and movement are inseparable. Working simultaneously as both choreographer and composer, he shapes music and movement as one organic process. Paired with atmospheric lighting design, the piece creates sharp contrasts that take the audience on an immersive journey, shifting from hypnotic, meditative calmness to intense, pulsating physical tension.

 

Director-choreographer & composer: Igor Lider
Dancers: Mariann Onkel, Marko Reitalu, Maria Uppin-Sarv, Sofia Kruusamägi, Anastasiia Lider, Edgar Budza, Aneta Varts
Lighting designer: Marita Keskküla
Costume designer: Viktoria Martjanova
Graphic designer: Kadi Aare
Videographer: Artur Kriuk
Photographer: Sofia Kriuk

 

Production: Estonian Dance Agency (Eesti Tantsuagentuur)

 

Premiere: April 23rd, 2026 at Jõhvi Concert Hall (short piece), September 19th, 2026 at the Estonian Dance Agency theatre hall (full-length production)

 

Duration: approx. 1 hour

 

Supported and thanked by: Ministry of Culture, Tallinn Culture & Sports Department, Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Pakenditööstus, Estonian Folk Culture Centre, Supporting and Promoting Arts in Rural Settlements of Europe (SPARSE), Creative Europe

 

Led by the Estonian Dance Agency in collaboration with regional cultural organizers, TantsuMENÜÜ brings professional dance performances to audiences across Estonia.