International dialogues open up new perspectives on the world

As part of the Helsinki Festival, Dance House Helsinki welcomes Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan, one of Asia’s most acclaimed contemporary dance companies, with its production 13 Tongues (27.–30.8.). In Taiwanese choreographer Cheng Tsung-lung’s work for 13 dancers, the bustle of historic streets and Taoist traditions merge with the present day.

The international dialogue continues in September with Superthing (8.–9.9.) a co-production by Finnish Tanssiteatteri Minimi and Lithuania’s Šeiko Dance Company that explores the intertwining of reality and imagination. Choreographed by Annamari Keskinen and Ryan Mason, the work offers a rare opportunity to see seven top-level artists from Finland and Lithuania on the same stage.

Combining opera, dance and technology, the world premiere of Orpheus in Underworld (18.–19.9.), created by Canadian immersive opera studio re:Naissance Immersive and contemporary dance company Belle Spirale, reimagines the myth of Orpheus from a queer perspective.

In November, Dance House Helsinki’s international guest performance series continues with the first-ever Finnish appearance by Brazilian choreographer Lia Rodrigues. One of the leading figures in international contemporary dance for more than four decades, Rodrigues brings her work Borda (2.–3.11.) to Helsinki: a timely and sensual exploration of boundaries – how they are formed, how they move and how they are constantly changing.

Anniversary celebrations put dance makers in the spotlight

The autumn programme also highlights the strength and continuity of Finnish dance. Long artistic careers are celebrated on stage, while new works boldly take dance in new directions.

Dance artist Minna Tervamäki celebrates four decades of her career with a gala evening on 12 September, bringing together highlights from one of the most significant careers in Finnish dance.

Tero Saarinen Company celebrates its 30th anniversary with Wild Is the Wind (22.–26.9.), an evening of three works in which choreographies by Carolyn Carlson, Tero Saarinen and Sonya Lindfors enter into dialogue between dance tradition and renewal. Lindfors’s group work of the same name will also receive its world premiere.

In October, 15-year-old Sivuun Ensemble also celebrates an anniversary. Its programme includes the acclaimed Neighbour (8.–10.10.), which combines aerial acrobatics, contemporary dance and physical comedy, as well as Tanssiinkutsu (10.10.), in which Jarmo Saari Republic meets eight independent dance companies.

Three solos (27.–31.10.) by Alpo Aaltokoski Company brings together three solo works created by choreographer Alpo Aaltokoski over four decades, offering an insight into the artistic thinking of one of Finland’s most long-standing contemporary dance practitioners.

Finnish premieres renew the stage

Elina Pirinen’s new stage work Ghosts of Rosegarden (6.–10.10.), presented by Zodiak at the Erkko Hall, is one of the autumn’s most anticipated dance premieres. The work enters into dialogue with Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, but turns the classic’s premise in a new direction – one in which no woman is sacrificed.

In November, Carl Knif Company and Vaasa Baroque combine early Baroque music, Argentine tango and contemporary dance in their new work Bländad av död och kärlek (13.–14.11.). Meanwhile, Glims & Gloms’ Ihon takanen (26.–28.11.) brings together choreography by Simo Heiskanen, music by Milla Viljamaa and a powerful visual expression.

Johanna Nuutinen +Collaborators’ acclaimed Élixir de Mer (30.9.–3.10.), praised by both audiences and critics, returns to the Pannu Hall, inviting audiences to become part of a bodily ritual awakened by the sense of smell.

The programme also features two special evenings dedicated to Finnish music. Anna Eriksson celebrates 30 years as an artist on 17–18 October, while in November Matti Johannes Koivu brings his new Child of the 80's Anniversary concert to the Pannu Hall (20–21.11.).

Young artists and experiences for the whole family

This autumn, Dance House Helsinki is also a shared stage for different generations, with young performers joining professional artists on stage.

Sibelius Upper Secondary School (21.8.), together with Turku-based Viuluakatemia Aura and Raija Lehmussaari’s Ballet School (5.9.), open the autumn season with the energy of young performers in their respective productions.

In December, Ndjara Dance Company’s annual For Peace 2026 performance on 12 December brings students of different ages from the Afro dance school together on stage.

The whole family is also invited to the free Children’s Saturday on 24 October, offering the joy of dance and movement for audiences of all ages.

The year concludes with one of Dance House Helsinki’s most beloved traditions, as Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth’s new Winter Circus Colour premieres on 9.12. Jazz music and the rhythm of tap dance accompany this joyful contemporary circus production for the whole family.

In addition to its live programme, Dance House Helsinki offers extensive background and supplementary content, workshop materials and related programming through its digital channels.