Choreographer Akram Khan's Farewell Tour Captivates Collaborators

In November 2025, as Akram Khan Company embarks on its last touring show, the choreographer's longtime collaborators are paying tribute to his remarkable artistry and leadership. Composer Nitin Sawhney, who has worked with Khan on multiple projects since the late 1990s, recalls being captivated by the dancer's speed and precision even in his teenage years. Sawhney describes Khan's unwavering creative vision, recounting how they once clashed over a musical direction before ultimately creating something "the most exciting" Sawhney had done in a long time.

Ballerina Alina Cojocaru, who danced the title role in Khan's reimagining of Giselle for English National Ballet in 2016, praises the choreographer's ability to bring out the emotional core of a character. She says Khan fostered an open dialogue in the studio, allowing her to tap into her own interpretation of the role. Sculptor Antony Gormley, who collaborated with Khan on the duet Zero Degrees, also reflects on the dancer's deep connection to his Indian classical roots, which he seamlessly wove into his innovative contemporary work.

As the curtain falls on Akram Khan Company's final tour, the tributes underscore the profound impact the choreographer has had on the arts world over his illustrious career.