Words with Isadora is a performance celebrating the artist Jonna Aaltonen, which explores the journey of expression, change and development during a long career. At the heart of this solo dance piece is the question of the artist's journey of expression during a long career. A performing artist of the 2020s reflects on the meaning of movement and freedom of expression in contemporary dance, seeking connections to the ideas of Isadora Duncan, the dance innovator of the early 20th century. What would Duncan say about today's trends? How does ageing affect artistry?

The theme of the performance is the connection between emotion and movement. The theme is explored through a dialogue with Isadora Duncan. Depending on the space, the work also interacts with either the surrounding exhibition or, when placed in a theatre space, with the costumes.

Dance artist Jonna Aaltonen celebrated her 30-year career in 2025 with the solo work Words with Isadora. The choreographer and director of the work is her long-time collaborator Marjaterttu Willman. The premiere took place at the WAM Kilta Gallery in Turku, in collaboration with the Western Dance Centre, Tanssin Voima ry and the WAM Turku City Art Museum Kilta Gallery. At the premiere, the work created a dialogue between dance and visual art with Fanny Varjo's exhibition.

Concept, direction: Marjaterttu Willman Choreography: Marjaterttu Willman together with Jonna Aaltonen Dancer-performer: Jonna Aaltonen Sound design: Mikko Väärälä
Costume design: Aapo Siikala Music: Sarah Neufeld Texts: Isadora Duncan (from the books Isadora Duncan - My Life, Peter Kurth - Isadora Sensational Life) Preview and production photos: Mirka Kleemola Production: Willman Dance Company Duration: 50 min
Recommended age: over 6 years old Target audience: young adults, adults, seniors More information about the work: https://www.willmandancecompany.fi/teokset/words-with-isadora