Johanna Nuutinen +Collaborators: Élixir de Mer
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4 performances
30.9-3.10.2026
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Duration
1 H (no intermission)
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Venue
Pannu Hall
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Tickets
31,50–25 €
Show times
Wed 30.9. at 18.30
Thu 1.10. at 18.30
Fri 2.10. at 18.30
Sat 3.10. at 15
Note
Includes occasional loud music.
A few carefully selected scents are used in the performance. Please arrive fragrance-free.
In addition
Artist discussions after the performances.
Introduction
Critically acclaimed Élixir de Mer invites the audience into a corporeal ritual where experiences of different senses interlace into a physical tapestry.
The work draws inspiration from the sense of smell and its ability to awaken embodied memories, as well as from the refined techniques of perfume-making—the ritualistic devotion of extracting elixirs.
Perfumes were already used in ancient Egypt for seduction and as symbols of power. Scents also offered a means to connect with divine figures, opening communication between heaven and earth. Beyond pleasure, the sense of smell carries social taboos, for the experience of scent brings another body close; it opens a space of shared intimacy.
In our world dominated by sight, the physicality of odors tunes our bodies to vibrate, and Élixir de Mer explores their resonance through dance, sound, and space. It seeks the layered harmonies of scents that remain within us for weeks, months, years.
Élixir de Mer is the fourth part of choreographer Johanna Nuutinen’s series of works exploring the senses.
Audience Discussions
Audience discussions will be held after each performance to explore the themes of the work together with choreographer Johanna Nuutinen and guest experts.
Scent as a Layer of the Art Experience
WED, Sept 30, Pannu Hall | Guest: Katia Los
Scent as Tool, Material and Experience
THU, Oct 1, Pannu Hall | Guest: TBA
Towards Multisensory Virtual Reality
FRI, Oct 2, Pannu Hall | Guest: Veikko Surakka
The Language, Corporeality, and Landscape of Smell
SAT, Oct 3, Dance House lobby | Guest: Eeva-Liisa Puhakka
Audience feedback
“Absolutely incredible performance! You’ve got to see it!”
“I rarely recommend anything, but this time I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it — big time and with full conviction!”
“A massive, immersive experience.”
“A truly stunning and inventive production!”
“An unprecedented fusion of scent and dance!”
Organizer: Johanna Nuutinen +Collaborators
Interviews: Johanna Nuutinen
Read about choreographer Johanna Nuutinen’s thoughts and her series of works in the Finnish Circus & Dance in Focus magazine. The interview is in English.
Trailer
Movement-based workshop
SAT 26.9. at 15-18, Studio, Dance House Helsinki
Join us for a workshop delving into the movement themes of Élixir de Mer, guided by international dance artists Andrea Martín and Clémentine Herveux. Throughout the day, we will explore the world of embodied imagination through movement material from the piece and physical practices used in its creative process.
Credits
Director: Johanna Nuutinen
Dance artists: Andrea Martin, Clémentine Herveux
Choreography: Johanna Nuutinen in collaboration with the dance artists
Dramaturg: Riikka Laakso
Sound Designer and Composer: Ville Kabrell
Scenographer and Technical Producer: Lauri Lundahl
Costume Designer: Joona Huotari
Producers: Aurora Millasnoore, Johanna Nuutinen
Production: Johanna Nuutinen +Collaborators
Johanna Nuutinen
Johanna Nuutinen has been creating her own works for film and stage at the intersection of visual and performing arts since 2011. Her works have been presented at more than 40 international film festivals and numerous dance festivals in Finland and abroad. In addition to productions created with her own company, Johanna has created commissioned works for organisations including the Finnish National Ballet, West Australian Ballet, Tero Saarinen Company, Skånes Dansteater and Dance Company Osnabrück. Before becoming a freelance artist in 2017, she worked as a dancer with the Finnish National Ballet.
The dance production platform Johanna Nuutinen +Collaborators was founded in 2016 to support Johanna Nuutinen’s artistic work in collaboration with visionary sound, lighting and costume designers, as well as dancers and dramaturgs. Over the past five years, Johanna and her team have explored the senses and our sensory experiences. The series consists of works exploring sight, touch and hearing through virtuosic movement, hypnotic visuals and visceral soundscapes.
Ticket information
Standard ticket | 31,50 €
Discount ticket | 25 €, Pensioners, students, under 25 yrs., unemployed, conscripts and civil servants.
Friend ticket | 4 tickets for the price of 3
Group ticket | 24 € per person, min. 10 person
Please be prepared to show proof of eligibility for the discount.
Pay What You Can | A small number of "Pay What You Can" tickets are also on sale for the performance. PWYC tickets are available at the info point that is located at the Cable Factory's Glass Courtyard and here. Read more about Pay What You Can tickets and other ticket information.
The auditorium is unnumbered.
Tickets can also be bought from the Box office at the Cable Factory's Glass Courtyard.
Ticket inquiries: please contact Dance House Helsinki: info@tanssintalo.fi
