Pohjalaiset tanssiammattilaiset palkittiin Suomen Teatterijärjestöjen Keskusliiton ansio- ja kunniamerkeillä
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For the first time, Finland’s Regional Dance Centres have awarded medals of merit and honour to individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of the field. From the region of the Regional Dance Centre of Ostrobothnia, these historic and well-deserved recognitions were given to Pirjo Viitanen, Mia Malviniemi, and Annika Sillander.
The professional forum Kiertoliike brought together dance professionals from across Finland in Turku last week. During the event, the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Regional Dance Centre network were also launched.
At a reception hosted by the City of Turku on Thursday, 19 September, medals of merit and honour were awarded for the first time in the history of the Regional Dance Centres to individuals who have made a remarkable contribution to Finland’s independent dance scene. Until now, professionals in the independent dance field have not been recognised with such industry distinctions.
The medals, granted by the Finnish Theatre Association, honour long-term commitment and outstanding contributions to the field of dance and performing arts.
Awardees helped shape the foundation of the Ostrobothnian centre
The recipients have each made a profound impact on both the Ostrobothnian and national—and even international—dance art landscape over several decades. Their work has greatly advanced the visibility, influence, and appreciation of dance art. Each has also played a major role in the founding and development of the Regional Dance Centre of Ostrobothnia.
Pioneer of dance in Kokkola, Pirjo Viitanen, received the Finnish Stage Art’s Golden Medal of Honour with a violet ribbon for her distinguished work in promoting local art.
“One always hopes to see more dance artists across Finland, more jobs, and that dance reaches more people,” Viitanen said. “The Regional Dance Centre has made it possible to organise courses and events, which in turn has encouraged more dance professionals to settle in the area. The centre has done remarkably well despite limited resources. It’s so important that we have artists working all across the country!”
At the heart of the Ostrobothnian centre’s work continues to be the promotion of dance as an art form and the creation of employment opportunities for local artists. Making high-quality dance accessible to a wide audience remains a cornerstone of its mission.
Versatile dance artist recognised for her contribution
Dance artist, choreographer, filmmaker, and Artistic Director of Malviniemi Company, Mia Malviniemi, received the Finnish Stage Art’s Golden Medal of Merit with red rosettes for at least 25 years of dedicated work in the field.
“This recognition is a great honour, and I’m deeply grateful that the contributions of artists advancing dance art are being acknowledged on a national level,” Malviniemi said. “The Regional Dance Centre of Ostrobothnia has been an important partner and supporter throughout its existence.”
“Looking back on my work here in Ostrobothnia, I’d say what stands out most is the wide-ranging collaboration with different partners and artists. The importance of working together cannot be overstated. It’s through collaboration that dance becomes more visible and connected to society.”
Malviniemi continues her advocacy for dance art as the Chair of the Board of Pohjanmaan Tanssi ry, the association that oversees the Regional Dance Centre of Ostrobothnia. Her latest work, Voice Studies, can be seen at the Kokkola Winter Dance Festival on Saturday, 19 October at 14:00.
Creative leadership in the arts acknowledged
Internationally recognised choreographer, performer, and pedagogue Annika Sillander received the Finnish Stage Art’s Silver Medal of Merit with blue rosettes for at least 25 years of work. Since 2012, Sillander has focused on administrative and leadership roles in the arts as a director, facilitator, and producer. She led the Regional Dance Centre of Ostrobothnia for ten years, from 2012 to 2022.
“My work at the centre has meant a great deal to me,” Sillander said. “It has been valuable to contribute to developing the regional dance field and to create new opportunities for dance to be made and experienced.”
“This work would not have been possible without the regional dance professionals and the skilled network with whom I share this recognition—they have played a vital role in advancing dance in the region. It’s a great honour to receive this award for my work,” she added.
Since early 2023, Sillander has been working as a freelancer, collaborating with individual artists, groups, organisations, and institutions both in Finland and internationally.
Continuing the legacy of the pioneers
The Regional Dance Centre of Ostrobothnia is the youngest of Finland’s six regional centres—it will celebrate its 15th anniversary next year. Since 2023, the centre has been led by Kokkola-based dance artist Eleni Pierides.
“We at the Regional Dance Centre are truly delighted that artists from our region are being recognised with these honours,” Pierides said. “It’s wonderful—and long overdue—that the trailblazers and visionaries of the Finnish dance field are publicly appreciated in this way.”
“Our task is to continue the excellent work of our predecessors, while also renewing and developing our operations to meet the challenges and demands of our time. At the core of our mission remains supporting artists’ work and creating meaningful encounters and experiences for diverse audiences,” Pierides concluded.
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