International guest performances from waacking to contemporary circus

The spring season begins in February with the international Sivuaskel Festival, produced by Zodiak. On 5–6 February, the Erkko Hall will host STUCK by French waacking icon Mounia Nassangar, in which five dancers interpret the dance form that emerged in 1970s Los Angeles, each through their own distinctive approach.

In Pannuhalli, three striking works will be presented. Swedish artist Alma Söderberg’s Infinétude (4–5 Feb) is built on the polyrhythmic collaboration of six performers and functions simultaneously as a concert and a dance work. Sweet Spot by Norwegian–Jamaican Harald Beharie (30–31 Jan) creates a hypnotic space where pleasure, collapse and identity are in constant negotiation. Cameroonian choreographer Zora Snake’s L’Opéra du Villageois (6–7 Feb) addresses the legacy of colonialism and the restitution of cultural artefacts. In addition, the Zodiak Visions screening on 7 February will, for the first time, present four dance short films created by choreographer–director pairs as a complete programme.

In May, as part of its international guest performance series, Dance House Helsinki brings to Finland a poetic, intense and politically charged work by the French trio (LA)HORDE. Leading Ballet de Marseille since 2019, the collective is a phenomenon whose influence extends beyond the performing arts into fashion, film and music. The large-scale work Age of Content, performed on 26–28 May, draws from popular culture, club scenes and video games, offering a visually striking exploration of how the digital age reshapes corporeality, desire and our ways of connecting with others.

From Susanna Leinonen Company’s guest choreographer Luca Signoretti, Mozart Mozart will be seen in the Erkko Hall on 10–13 June, reinterpreted by the company’s dancers. Signoretti’s internationally acclaimed movement language builds a dynamic and playful vocabulary rooted in classical ballet, set to Mozart’s timeless and beloved music.

The international programme expands into contemporary circus when Cirko – Center for New Circus brings the acclaimed Canadian guest performance People Watching: Play Dead to Dance House Helsinki on 19–21 May. As part of Espoo Theatre’s &Fest programme, Brazilian artist Carolina Bianchi’s The Bride & The Goodnight Cinderella will be presented on 18 March—a shocking and powerful statement on violence against women that does not allow the audience an easy experience.

Domestic performances: audience favourites and new works

The spring’s domestic programme features both new artistic openings and a strong selection of revivals, as several audience-acclaimed works return to the repertoire.

Tero Saarinen’s Study for Life, created to music by Kaija Saariaho, will have its Finnish premiere at Dance House Helsinki from 28 February to 7 March. The work combines dance, concert and sound installation, and for the first time the Erkko Hall will feature a 360-degree audience layout.

The relationship between music and movement is also explored in Carl Knif Company’s Matching Steps (28–29 April), based on a composition by Steve Reich.

Presented on 12–13 March, Ballet Finland’s It's time (On aika) includes three contemporary dance works by leading Finnish choreographers: Laulu surusta by Hanna Brotherus, Ever by Johanna Nuutinen, and Carmen?!, the joyful and much-loved classic by Kenneth Kvarnström.

Additional revivals include popular works from last season: star dancer Atte Kilpinen’s Kreutzer Sonata returns on 1 April, blending ballet and contemporary dance in an interpretation of Leo Tolstoy’s novella. Piazzolla-night by Glims & Gloms and Guardia Nueva brings back the fusion of Argentine tango and contemporary dance with live music on 9–10 April. In addition, TRUST by Dance Theatre Tsuumi and Theatre Metamorfoosi—combining dance and theatre—will be seen on the main stage for the first time on 15–16 April.

Concerts and clubs

Spring also offers a wide range of concerts, club nights and other cultural events. As part of the April Jazz programme, music and movement merge in Traces Sonores / Sound Traces on 18 April, where a dance group led by Kimi Ervin meets the Aki Rissanen Trio.

The popular drag spectacle Helsinki International Drag Fest 2026 will be held for the fifth time on 21 March, while the music festival Helsinki Music Week takes over Dance House Helsinki in May.

Competitions, young talent and dance for all ages

Late spring is once again dedicated to young talent. The venue hosts showcases and celebratory events by dance schools, educational institutions and Youth Helsinki. A wide range of styles will be seen on stage, from afrobeat and jazz to K-pop.

Competitive excitement comes with events by the Finnish Dance Organization as well as the Show of the Year. Dance House Helsinki’s popular family event Lasten lauantai (Children’s Saturday) will be held for the second time on 11 April. Toddlers are also invited to explore the world of dance as part of the City of Helsinki’s Culture Kids programme. Free social dance events will invite participants onto the dance floor twice during the spring.

In addition to the live programme, Dance House Helsinki offers extensive programme-related and in-depth content, workshop materials and accompanying events across its digital channels.

Further information: Saara Oranen, Communications, saara@tanssintalo.fi, +358 44 566 1903

Press images: Dance House Helsinki press kit

www.tanssintalo.fi

Dance House Helsinki

The mission of Dance House Helsinki is to promote, support and realise diverse dance art and dance culture. The programme includes both domestic and international dance and performing arts productions. It consists of works produced by various cultural organisations as well as programme development projects by Dance House Helsinki itself. The activities of Dance House Helsinki are supported by the City of Helsinki and the Arts and Culture Division. The international guest performance series is supported by the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation.