Alien of Extraordinary is a dance theatre piece born from the labyrinth of the U.S. artist visa system – a process that flattens human stories into forms and reduces lives to paperwork. Choreographed by Sun Kim, a South Korean immigrant who specializes in the street dance style of popping, the piece takes its name from the “alien of extraordinary ability” (O-1) visa and her own experiences with it. Brought to life by a richly diverse ensemble of immigrant dancers, Alien of Extraordinary features theme music by klezmer musician and composer Michael Winograd. The piece is an invitation to witness the immigrant artist’s journey in all its fragility and resilience, creating a meeting ground for empathy, imagination, and shared belonging.

Alien of Extraordinary is created with the support of a Works & Process Residency at Modern Accord Depot (2025) as well as a CUNY Dance Initiative Residency at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center.