Description
A free event for the whole family!
International Dance Day is celebrated every year around the world on 29 April. The day is a tribute to dance, which connects people regardless of cultural background or politics.
29 April was chosen as International Dance Day because it marks the birthday of dancer, choreographer, and dance theorist Jean-Georges Noverre (1727–1810). Already in 1760, Noverre called for dance to be recognised as an independent art form alongside opera and presented various ideas for reforming dance and the role of dancers.
The idea to establish International Dance Day came from the dance committee of the International Theatre Institute (ITI). The celebration of Dance Day began in Finland, where it has been held since 1981.
The Regional Dance Centre of Ostrobothnia, in collaboration with the Film Centre Botnia, celebrates the 2023 Dance Day through dance films. The programme offers a family-friendly selection of dance films representing various styles, including 60-second shorts and regional productions. The screening is curated by dance artist and filmmaker Kati Kallio and dance artist and choreographer Mia Malviniemi.
Programme:
MENUETTI FI, 2012, 6’55
Director: Jukka Rajala
Choreography: Mia Wiik
Dancers: Mia Wiik, Jussi Hanhirova, Carla Fri, Sebastian Selenius
Music: Sålunda menuetten / Marianne Maans
Production: Malakta Films / Watt ry
The minuet arrived in Finland in the 1700s, during an era of strict manners. Men and women kept their distance and emotions were not shown publicly — a behaviour that suited the people of the forests well. In the dance, the only contact between partners was a humble touch of the hands, beneath which storming emotions silently flamed.
DANCING MANIA FI, year unknown, 1’00
Choreography and direction: Roope Ryöppy
Dancers: Oliver Mclean, Miska Mykkänen, Roope Raittinen, Roope Ryöppy, Henrik Törmänen
Cinematography: Joona Ryöppy, Roope Ryöppy
Music: “Mania” – Roope Ryöppy
Who can resist dance mania?
CHILD IN YOU FI, 2017, 6’44
Music video by Antti Paalanen feat. Haaven & Tsuumi Dance Theatre
Director: Ulla Nikula
Choreography: Sampo Kerola
Performers: Salla Korja-Paloniemi (Tsuumi Dance Theatre), Sampo Kerola (Tsuumi Dance Theatre), Pihla Nikula
Music and production: Antti Paalanen
Lyrics and vocals: Heidi Maria Paalanen
(C) & (P) Rockadillo Records / Zen Master Records 2017
“I’m the child in you / I live here too / please wake up / let me see the stars...”
IN THE SAME BOAT FI, 2023, 7’00
Director: Mervi Junkkonen
Choreography: Mia Malviniemi, Rauno Männistö
Performers: Rauno Männistö, Nanna Rahikainen
Music: Antti Paalanen
Sound design: Stefan Backas
Production: Malviniemi Company, Little Red House Films
A film about the limits of the ageing body and the boundlessness of the mind. Rauno’s story takes us on a boat trip with his father, where unexpected difficulties arise — and plenty of swearing too.
Break
HA HA HA FI, 2017, 9’00
Director: Samuli Valkama
Choreography: Jyrki Karttunen
Sound design and music: Tuomas Fränti
Production: Sons of Lumiére / Mete Sasioglu
A film about an efficient factory where workers mass-produce canned laughter. One day, genuine, free, and unrestrained laughter escapes supervision and spreads into the world.
36/42 FI, year unknown, 1’00
Cinematography and direction: Thomas Freundlich
Choreography: Minttu Pietilä
Sound design: Tuuli Kyttälä
What keeps me still, in place, preventing change? What pushes me forward, shakes me, and gives courage? Calms me. Breathes beside me.
WALKS WITH ME (Käy rinnallain) FI, 2021, 10’47
Director and choreography: Kati Kallio
Music and sound design: Janne Laine
Production: Pystymetsä Oy / Outi Rousu, Myrskyryhmä / Elli Isokoski
Eighty-year-old Sanna lives alone among her memories and houseplants. One day, she witnesses an event outside her window that makes her recall her friends.