Helsinki Dance Company

Helsinki Dance Company is a contemporary dance company founded at Helsinki City Theatre in 1973. Over the years, the company has worked with numerous acclaimed artists and played a key role in the professionalisation of dance in Finland. In addition to performing in independent dance works, its dancers have appeared in and created choreography for a wide range of theatre productions, from plays to musicals. The company is renowned for its charismatic, expressive dancers and its visually polished, movement-driven works. It currently presents two premieres each year, one in the autumn season and one in the spring.

The company’s history dates back to 1973, when Seija Simonen was appointed dance master at Helsinki City Theatre alongside six permanent dancers. The following year, the number of dancers increased to eight. In 1982, Jorma Uotinen was appointed dance master. Under his leadership, the company became more independent and reached a new level artistically. Increasing emphasis was placed on the company’s own productions alongside its contributions to drama productions. During Uotinen’s nine-year tenure, the company attained its current high artistic standing as an independent dance company. In recognition of this achievement, it received the Finnish State Prize for Dance in 1992. International touring also became an integral part of the company’s activities.

The company has created productions for every stage at Helsinki City Theatre and performed at venues in Finland and abroad.

The company comprises seven permanent dancers. Its artistic directors have included Liisa Priha, Jorma Uotinen, Carolyn Carlson, Marjo Kuusela, Kenneth Kvarnström, Ari Tenhula, Nigel Charnock, Ville Sormunen, Jyrki Karttunen and Antti Lahti. Valtteri Raekallio has led the company since August 2024.

Helsinki Dance Company is a contemporary dance company founded in 1973 as part of Helsinki City Theatre. Over the years, Helsinki Dance Company has collaborated with numerous renowned artists and played a significant role in the professionalisation of dance in Finland.

In addition to performing independent dance works, the company’s dancers have performed and choreographed extensively in theatre productions ranging from plays to musicals. The company is renowned for its charismatic, expressive dancers and its physically demanding, visually striking works. It currently produces two premieres each year, one in the autumn and one in the spring.

The company’s history can be traced back to 1973, when Seija Simonen was appointed dance master at Helsinki City Theatre and a company of six permanent dancers was established. The following year, the number of dancers increased to eight. In 1982, Jorma Uotinen was appointed dance master. Under his leadership, the company gained greater independence and reached new artistic heights. Alongside its contribution to theatre productions, increasing emphasis was placed on the dance company’s own works. During Uotinen’s nine-year tenure, the group established itself as an independent dance company of outstanding artistic calibre, a status recognised with the State Prize for Dance in 1992. International tours also became an integral part of the company’s activities.

The company has performed on every stage at Helsinki City Theatre and made guest appearances at venues across Finland and abroad. It comprises seven permanent dancers. Its artistic directors have included Liisa Priha, Jorma Uotinen, Carolyn Carlson, Marjo Kuusela, Kenneth Kvarnström, Ari Tenhula, Nigel Charnock, Ville Sormunen, Jyrki Karttunen and Antti Lahti. Valtteri Raekallio will take over as the company’s director in August 2024.