Dance changes, but its essence remains
Dance changes, but its essence remains
NEWS ArticleMinna Tervamäki has witnessed dance evolve over four decades – from the wow effects of social media to changing ways of viewing classic works. Yet one thing has remained unchanged: at the heart of dance are connection, humanity and presence.
You are celebrating 40 years on stage. What has changed in dance during that time, and what has remained the same?
Dance has always been in a constant state of change. At the same time, new generations keep rediscovering things that previous generations have already explored. I’ve spoken with older dancers, and it’s fascinating to see how many phenomena keep resurfacing.
Social media content tends to favour visually impressive tricks, such as performing a huge number of pirouettes or having a leg behind your head. For me, however, dance is first and foremost about storytelling, evoking emotion and being present in the moment. I see these social media phenomena as one part of the broader landscape of dance, which is different from what it used to be.
The essence of dance, however, has not changed. Touching the audience in some way and sharing the stage with other performers, the audience, and lighting and sound designers remain central to dance. I believe this core has remained the same.
What do you find interesting about dance right now?
I find it interesting to see how classic works can be adapted to our time, now that we view the world so differently. What can still be preserved from the classics, and how should they be reimagined?
This has long been discussed in opera, theatre and other performing arts as well. I notice that I now look very differently at things that once seemed self-evident. The stories in classical ballets simply existed, and we did not question them in the same way. Now, I find myself thinking about what these works are actually saying and what kind of worldview they reflect.
It is interesting to consider how we can preserve the beauty of the classics while perhaps telling their stories in different ways.
What inspires you right now?
I can be inspired by almost anything. It might be an experience, a moment in everyday life, a work from another art form or a photograph. I see it as one of my strengths that I am easily inspired by other people, their ideas and what they have to say.
Recently, I have been listening to a lot of audiobooks, and they too have sparked new thoughts and inspiration. The ability to be inspired is a wonderful thing in itself.
Has your own way of thinking about dance changed over the years?
I have always thought about dance in terms of connection, humanity and presence, and these things have remained at the heart of my thinking throughout the years.
I have always had a fairly broad view of dance. I can naturally get excited about very different works and styles. Whether it is a dance theatre company like Peeping Tom or something more classical, different perspectives continue to spark my interest just as much.
What is happening in Finnish dance today that would have been difficult to imagine when you first started?
Perhaps the most significant change is how little is written about dance in the media today. I remember a time when every different cast and casting was reviewed. It was simply standard practice. Helsingin Sanomat, for example, followed dance and ballet very closely.
It feels as though dance used to have a much stronger presence in the media. I may be wrong, but that is certainly my impression.
Describe the upcoming gala evening in three words.
“Ooh”, “wow”, “huh?!”
And what would you like to say to the audience?
Fasten your seatbelts – welcome!
40 Years on stage 12.9.2026
A unique gala brings together key moments from Tervamäki’s career, long-standing collaborations and new works.
