Show Dance Intensive Groups

The purpose of the Helsinki Dance Institute’s show dance intensive and small-group program is to offer students the opportunity to deepen their skills, perform actively, and possibly orient themselves toward a professional path in the future. The program gives talented children and young people the chance to experience dance more broadly as a living art form, with active performance work as a central part of the training.

Studying in an intensive group requires precision and the stamina to repeat demanding material more than in regular classes. The main focus of learning in intensive groups is basic arts education, and classes in other dance styles are a very important part of a young dancer’s development. The group quickly becomes a close-knit and safe learning environment that supports growth and fosters many friendships.

Depending on the group, intensive students attend the group’s own classes 2–3 times per week and choose at least one or two elective weekly classes in ballet, show dance, contemporary dance, or jazz dance.

The institute offers intensive students a training package (2–3 × 90 min group training sessions + 1-2 elective classes per week) at a subsidized price. The price for the coming season will be confirmed during the summer and communicated to the families of intensive group students at that time. In the 2025–26 season, the price ranged from €883.57 to €1,020.00 per semester, depending on the group. Competition trips, dance camps, and possible costume costs for performances are not included in the above price.

During the academic year, groups participate in selected dance competitions and showcases as deemed appropriate for each group. At the beginning of the autumn term, a joint dance camp for all intensive groups will be held in Eerikkilä from 4–6 September 2026. In addition, during the summer season each group has its own one-week dance camp, either in the city or in a rural setting in Lapväärtti near Kristiinankaupunki. Some groups also have a short season kick-off camp in Helsinki in August.

Intensive Groups for the Academic Year 2026–27

Lumina (ages 9–11, born 2015-2017)

New group, started in fall 2026.

The group trains together in show dance twice per week with Anni Lantto. In addition, students choose at least one elective class from the institute’s course selection.

Pisarat (ages 12–14, born 2012–2014)

In autumn 2026, the group begins its fourth academic year together.
The group trains together in show dance 3 × 90 minutes per week with Adalmiina Toivola and Wilma Mehtonen-Laiho. In addition, students choose at least one elective class from the institute’s course selection.

Tulilinnut (ages 13–17, born 2009–2012)

In autumn 2026, the group begins its third academic year together.
The group trains together three times a week in show dance, 3 × 90 minutes with Taika Rautiainen and Wilma Mehtonen-Laiho. In addition, students choose at least one elective class from the institute’s course selection.

Pohjantähdet (ages 14–16, born 2010–2011)

In autumn 2026, the group begins its seventh academic year together.
The group trains together in show dance 2× 90 minutes per week under their own teacher, Sarlotta Kalliosalo, and once a week in jazz dance under Riikka Helander. In addition, students choose at least two elective classes from the institute’s course selection.

Supplementary auditions to continuing groups for season 2026-27 have ended.