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 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 + 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

New Intensive Group (ages 9–11)

In August 2026, a new intensive group will be established for students aged 9–11 (born 2015–2017). The audition will be held on Saturday, 22 August 2026, at the Leipätehdas studios. More detailed registration schedules will be announced later on this page.

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 2 × 90 minutes per week under their own teacher, Adalmiina Toivola. In addition, students choose at least two elective classes 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 twice a week in show dance, 2 × 90 minutes, under their own teacher, Taika Rautiainen. In addition, students choose at least two elective classes 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.

Velocés (from age 16, born 2010 and earlier)

In autumn 2026, students in the group have completed at least 7 years of intensive studies.

The group trains together in show dance 2 × 90 minutes per week under their own teacher, Wilma Mehtonen-Laiho, and 1 × 90 minutes per week in jazz dance under Riikka Helander. In addition, students choose at least two elective classes from the institute’s course selection.

Auditions to show dance intensive groups for season 2026-2027

Show dance intensive groups will have supplementary auditions in May 2026.
Auditions are at Leipätehdas, Kaikukatu 4 A, Helsinki, 5–6 floors.

Applicants must fill out a registration to auditions, check links below. Registration to auditions no later than 12.5.2026. On audition day, show up at Leipätehdas, 5th floor lobby, on time.

Auditions on Ascension Day 14.5.2026

Pisarat (12–14 v.), LEI1
Registration and warm-up at LEI4 at 10.00–10.30
Audition at 10.30–11.30
Register to audition

Tulilinnut (13–17 v.), LEI1
Registration and warm-up at LEI4 11.30–12.00
Audition at 12.00–13.00
Register to audition

Pohjantähdet (14–16 v.), LEI1
Registration and warm-up LEI4 13.00–13.30
Audition at 13.30–14.30
Register to audition

Velocés (alk. 16 v.), LEI1
Registration and warm-up at LEI4 14.30–15
Audition at 15.00–16.00
Register to audition

Results will be notified during week 22.