Kunnes Avartuu is a new stage work by choreographer Veli Lehtovaara and his collaborators. The dance piece is created in relation to poet Milka Luhtaniemi's award winning book Tauoton (Gummerus, 2024). The choreography is created with and performed by dancers Elias Girod and Sofia Simola. Luhtaniemi is present on stage and speaks poems. Artist Jani Hietanen creates the sound and moving image for the performance.
“Within the spine, there is a living nature, a lush corner where you may retreat, when the decay begins.” - Tauoton
The work explores the correspondences, resonances, convergences and discords between dance and poetry. Listening is at the heart of the performance, as poetry and dance speak to each other. The performance draws on Lehtovaara's doctoral research at the University of the Arts Helsinki. The research investigates the ecological poetics in dance and choreographic writing.
Note: The performance includes spoken language in Finnish.
Credits:
Choreography: Veli Lehtovaara in collaboration with the performers
Dance: Elias Girod, Sofia Simola
Poem: Milka Luhtaniemi, Tauoton (Gummerus, 2024)
Sound and moving image: Jani Hietanen
Producer: Annika Sillander (2024), Lisa Kalkowski (2025)
Production: Entirely Moved | Kaikki Liikkuu ry
Funding bodies: Arts Promotion Centre Finland, City of Helsinki
Special thanks: Central Finland Dance Center, TUTKE / Theatre Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki
Image: Jani Salonen
Further information, interview requests and press images:
Lisa Kalkowski
Producer
[email protected]
+358 442387933
Photo: Jani Salonen
Kulttuurikeskus Caisa • Kaikukatu 4 B, 00530 Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland