The Kanuti Gildi Saal in Estonia is set to host the premiere of 'Softpower', a dance production by Latvia-born artist Rūta Ronja Pakalne, on April 10. The work draws inspiration from the aesthetics of slow cinema, focusing on the embodied experiences of the performers, which include Anumai Raska, Pääsu-Liis Kens, and Juulius Vaiksoo. The piece aims to explore the social meanings and personal histories that bodies carry, as well as the ways in which individuals can transform themselves according to different contexts.

The artistic team behind the production has a strong background in film, which influences the choreography and staging of 'Softpower'. The performance intertwines movement with innovative elements such as a soundscape created by Ando Naulainen, lighting design by Kristiina Tinnu Tang, and set design by Pire Sova. This synergy of filmic techniques and choreography offers a sensory experience that plays with perceptions, inviting the audience to reflect on the interplay between the individual and their environment.

Rūta Ronja Pakalne, a freelance dance and film artist residing in Estonia, engages in an interdisciplinary practice that encompasses choreography, performing arts, filmmaking, and teaching. Her work often investigates the relationship between the body, place, and identity, making 'Softpower' not only a dance piece but also a commentary on broader socio-cultural concepts.