Gala

Kuopio Dance Festival Gala brings together top contemporary dance artists and the most intriguing works of the year!

The Gala features several short pieces by leading Finnish contemporary dance artists and some of the country’s most acclaimed choreographers, joined by international stars.

The evening will open with Spiraali (Spiral) by Raekallio Corp., which is a sensual duet about an intimate relationship. The piece critically examines the modern conception of humanity through the language of contemporary dance.

The Gala will also feature two excerpts fromAtte Kilpinen’s acclaimed Kreutzer Sonata. The dance production Kreutzer Sonata is a modern version of Leo Tolstoy’s novel from 1889. The work deals with love, jealousy, passion and life. How far are you willing to go for love and what can come of it?

The Gala will be hosted by Sami Sykkö, a charming and multi-talented figure, known as a journalist, performer, host, fashion expert and a professor, among others.

More performers will be revealed during the spring – stay tuned!

Spiraali (Spiral) is a sensual duet about an intimate relationship. The piece critically examines the modern conception of humanity through the language of contemporary dance. In this new staging, Spiraali will be performed for the first time with live music by Sampo Lassila and Ville Hukkinen.

Choreography: Tommi Kitti
Dancers: Natasha Lommi, Eero Vesterinen
Lighting Design: Janne Teivainen
Music: Sampo Lassila, Ville Hukkinen

The dance production Kreutzer Sonata is a modern version of Leo Tolstoy’s novel from 1889. The music is Ludwig van Beethoven’s Kreutzer sonata, on the basis of which Leo Tolstoy was inspired to write his novel. Later, Leoš Janáček was again impressed by the novel, which he turned into a composition to be heard in the performance.

Kreutzer Sonata deals with love, jealousy, passion and life. How far are you willing to go for love and what can come of it? Modern interpretation explores and deals with relationships between people through dance. The work features both classical ballet and contemporary dance.

Organizer: Atte Kilpinen
Dancers: Atte Kilpinen, Heidi Salminen and Johan Pakkanen
Production: JoJo – Oulu Dance Centre
In Co-operation: Ballet Finland

Atte Kilpinen: Kreutzer Sonata
Atte Kilpinen: Kreutzer Sonata © Roosa Oksaharju
Raekallio Corp: Spiraali
The Gala will be hosted by Sami Sykkö