The Dance House Helsinki’s rich programme has brought dance to new audiences and made it accessible to a wider group of people.

"We are very pleased with the number of visits achieved. The diverse repertoire has clearly succeeded in appealing to a variety of audiences. The eagerness of dance companies to bring their performances to us is a testament to the suitability of our facilities and services for a variety of needs," says Niki Matheson, Managing Director.

During 2023, the Dance House Helsinki hosted the premiere of 14 new performances and 12 international visiting dance performances. The rich programme also included showcases and competitions, festivals, film screenings, concerts, workshops and artists' meetings.

Among the year's public favourites on the main stage of Erkko Hall, were international visits by Spanish flamenco artist Rócio Molina and French Lyon Opera Ballet, German choreographer Pina Bausch's iconic The Rite of Spring at the Helsinki Festival, as well as performances by Finnish companies Susanna Leinonen Company and Tero Saarinen Company and Helsinki Drag Fest 2023. The Christmas season was celebrated with Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth's whole family show Winter Circus Super. International Circus talent was on show with a visit from the Australian company Gravity & Other Myths, produced by Cirko. Hundreds of children and young people performed at the dance show by the City of Helsinki Youth Services and the four-day competition event by the Finnish Dance Organization.

On the smaller stage of Pannu Hall, performances that attracted audiences included, among others, Graces by Silvia Gribaudi and the premiere of Finnish choreographer Sonya Lindfors, both produced by Zodiak. In addition, the street dance premiere by choreographers Kaisa Nieminen and Marika Peura and Valtteri Raekallio Corp.'s anniversary show gained recognition.

Dance House Helsinki seen as an important addition to the Finnish cultural scene

According to their audience survey, the Dance House Helsinki has increased interest in dance. Of the 1.128 respondents, 80% had visited the Dance House Helsinki and were satisfied with their visit. The Dance House was seen as an important addition to Finland's cultural scene, and the majority of respondents found performances and events of interest to them.

Spring 2024 continues to offer a wide range of programmes. This includes numerous international visits from dance, circus and theatre, as well as performances of popular Finnish pieces, dance shows and competitions, and a wide variety of genres.

Spring 2024 Programme