Courses are published

Cover image: Venla Vuorio (Runway & Posing) © Maija Astikainen

Kuopio Dance Festival offers around 40 dance courses and workshops in June for participants of all ages and levels. The programme brings together familiar and popular styles alongside exciting rarities.

The instructors include many well-known names and top Finnish dancers—you can take classes with, Reija Wäre, Sofia Ruija, or Mikko Ahti, among many others.

From ballet to runway

Courses in ballet and contemporary dance are available from beginners to professionals. Fans of jazz and street styles will find plenty of options, and the programme also features intriguing new additions such as Runway & Posing and Groove, Play & Creative Flow, which explores the intersection of street dance, theatre, and improvisation.

Sofia Ruija ohjaa Contemporary Choreo ja Partnering -kursseilla. Kuva: Sara Lehtomaa

You can immerse yourself in Latin rhythms in classes such as Carnival Samba and Mikko Ahti’s Rumba–Bolero. Body care and recovery are the focus in Saaga Lamusuo’s Flow Yoga and in courses led by Henrik Burman.

Professionals and advanced dancers

In addition to morning ballet and contemporary dance classes, professionals are offered a comprehensive programme. The selection includes, among others, Contemporary Choreo workshops, Contemporary floorwork, Partnering, TV choreography, and Camera Work for Dancers and Choreographers.

An open Dance Camp for everyone

The legendary Boys’ Dance Camp of Kuopio Dance Festival has long been requested to be opened to everyone, and at the same time there has been a wish for a full camp built around the preparatory ballet course. This year, these ideas come together in one open Dance Camp for all.

The camp features excellent teachers, versatile training, and a performance opportunity in connection with the Ballet School’s showcase on Sunday, 14 June.

Explore the online store for more detailed descriptions of the courses and camps. It’s easy to build a personalised package that matches your goals and interests—and discounts are available for multi-course packages.

Festival Pass benefits

If you pay for your course by 30 April 2026, you will receive a festival pass that allows you to see performances at half price.
The benefit is personal and applies only to performances on the same day, subject to availability. Read more here.

Course Instructors

An outstanding group of professionals will be teaching the courses: Anne-Marie Ahola Hiitola, Virve Olsson, Katri Soini, Henrik Burman, Minna Karesluoto, Mikko Ahti, Marja Rautakorpi, Pontus Linder, Venla Vuorio, Heli Kuula, Cindy Ng, Oskari Turpeinen, Ilkka Lampi, Eliisa Nenonen, Sirpa Möksy, Riikka Keurulainen, Sofia Ruija, Reija Wäre, Virva Torkko-Muñoz, Marjukka Isoluoma, Saaga Lamusuo ja Katja Vikla.