World-class dance in Helsinki – these 7 shows are a must-see this spring

May at Dance House reaches its peak as some of the most talked-about names in contemporary dance right now arrive to present their major work over three consecutive evenings. The (LA)HORDE collective, which leads Ballet National de Marseille, is a driving force in new-era art – a phenomenon whose influence extends beyond dance and performance into fashion, film and music.

The acclaimed Age of Content draws on fashion, video games and club culture, bringing the aesthetics of virtual worlds and popular culture to the stage. It’s an intense, visually striking and politically charged work exploring how the digital age is reshaping physicality, desire and the way we connect with one another. The piece’s 18 dancers move like characters in a video game, performing dance styles familiar from virtual spaces, such as jumpstyle, twerk and vogue. This is one for anyone even remotely interested in contemporary dance. Don’t miss it.

When? Tuesday May 26, Wednesday May 27 and Thursday May 28 at 19.30
How much? Tickets from €29

This spring, Dance House also brings contemporary circus straight from the global top tier to Helsinki. Play Dead by Canadian company People Watching is one of the standout circus hits of recent years. It blends breathtakingly skilful acrobatics, dance and physical theatre in a way that’s both moving and humorous, presenting contemporary circus in a completely fresh light, full of powerful emotion.

The Play Dead performances are produced by Cirko – Centre for New Circus. The recommended age is 12+.

When? Tuesday May 19, Wednesday May 20 and Thursday May 21 at 18.00
How much? Tickets from €35

Dynamic and playful movement rooted in classical ballet draws audiences into the contradictory world of a musical genius. In Mozart, Mozart, the masterful movement language of internationally acclaimed choreographer Luca Signoretti meets Mozart’s timeless, beloved music, with the choreography building like a crescendo: from small, delicate elements towards something larger than life – just like Mozart’s music itself.

Susanna Leinonen Company, which has performed around the world, is an internationally respected contemporary dance group whose works combine strong physicality, powerful expression and technical virtuosity. They take audiences deep into a world of movement and emotion.

When? Wednesday June 10, Thursday June 11 and Friday June 12 at 19.00, and Saturday June 13 at 14.00 & 18.00
How much? Tickets from €35

The relationship between dance and music is also at the heart of the acclaimed Matching Steps, in which Finnish choreographer Carl Knif explores the connections between classical music and contemporary dance, framing questions of modern life through classical compositions. Similar themes have shaped Knif’s earlier works Kaksivärinen fuuga (2020) and Sessions (2022). The piece is based on Steve Reich’s composition Clapping Music (1972), combined with music composed by Janne Haste for the work.

‘Matching Steps is an elegant performance where every movement feels precisely measured… The blend of emotion and intellect is breathtaking.’
– Arbetarbladet, 2025

When? Tuesday April 28 and Wednesday April 29 at 19.00
How much? Tickets from €24

Leading names in Finnish jazz join forces with an internationally recognised young dancer as part of the April Jazz programme. Music and dance merge in a striking way as the dance group led by French-Finnish Kimi Ervi meets the Aki Rissanen Trio, one of the best-known names in Finnish jazz. In Traces Sonores / Sound traces, jazz improvisation and the rhythmic expression of jazz dance enter into an inspiring dialogue.

Dancer and choreographer Kimi Ervi is considered one of Europe’s most promising young dance artists, known for his powerful stage presence, musical sensitivity and distinctive style. The EMMA Award-winning Aki Rissanen Trio, made up of pianist Aki Rissanen, bassist Antti Lötjönen and drummer Teppo Mäkynen, are among the leading figures in Finnish jazz on the international stage.

When? Saturday April 18 at 19.00
How much? Tickets from €35

Finnish National Ballet principal dancer Atte Kilpinen takes to the stage at Dance House in early April. The acclaimed Kreutzer sonata is a choreographic interpretation by the internationally successful dancer, offering a modern take on Leo Tolstoy’s 1889 novella. Through dance, it explores love, jealousy, passion, life and human relationships. The piece blends classical ballet and contemporary dance, set to music by Beethoven and Leoš Janáček.

‘Atte Kilpinen’s Kreutzer sonata left the audience overwhelmed.’
- Turun Sanomat

When? Wednesday April 1 at 19.00
How much? Tickets from €24

The whole family is invited to explore the world of dance and art together. Dance House Helsinki’s Children’s Saturday takes place on Saturday April 11 from 10.00 to 14.00. This free event is a great way to introduce children of all ages to dance and culture through joy, discovery and shared activities. Expect plenty of dance, a disco, workshops and exhibitions. A tasty brunch is available at Restaurant Traba throughout the event.

When? Saturday April 11 from 10.00 to 14.00
How much? Mostly free