The 15-year journey of the Regional Dance Centre of Ostrobothnia
Published on — Written by Eleni Pierides
As dance is an art of the moment – an ephemeral experience – it is important to create traces that endure. The experience of performing arts never fully disappears – it can even be transformative, leaving a deep and meaningful imprint on both experience and memory. In reflecting on the 15-year history and significance of the Regional Dance Centre of Ostrobothnia, we wanted to capture its key phases also in words and in a timeline.
We decided to compile a history that past, present, and future developers and advocates of the Ostrobothnian dance field can return to: we are grateful for the groundwork upon which we now stand firmly, and from which future practitioners will also take their leap forward.
The history of the regional centre has been compiled by our producer Reija Penttinen, who has interviewed dance professionals who have left the deepest marks on its development. In addition to years and milestones, she has also documented the municipal and regional decision-makers without whom this structure for the independent dance field in the former Vaasa province would not have come into being. Regional independent dance has been recognised as meaningful, professionally relevant, and as a field deserving of a sustainable and vital structure – one for which long-term continuity has been deliberately developed.
In 2003, based on the report Askel tulevaisuuteen by Sanna Koskela and Sanna Rekola, a working group was established within the Ministry of Education and Culture. The group published its report, which led to the establishment of five regional dance centres funded by the Ministry of Education during the period 2004–2005.
The national network of regional dance centres celebrated its 20th anniversary during 2024–2025. The Regional Dance Centre of Ostrobothnia took part – as an equal “little sister” – in organising the celebrations and visibility campaigns. Each regional dance centre operates within its own unique environment and professional field, which always shapes the character of the centre – its own history.
By articulating the Regional Dance Centre of Ostrobothnia’s place within the broader history of regional dance centres, within this chain of paths, we hope to illuminate the traces of Ostrobothnian dance. The next traces will be created by the steps of future practitioners. The next history will be traced by the feet that move forward from here.
Tutustu koko 15-vuotiseen historiaan (PDF, 16.9MB)
—
Category:
Uutiset