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
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 information further down the 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 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.
Audition to new intensive group for 9 to 11-year-olds
A new intensive youth show dance group taught by Anni Lantto will be launched in the 2026–27 academic year. Students born in 2015–2017 (ages 9–11) who have previously practiced a dance form for at least two years can apply for the group.
The classes of the new intensive group will be organized as follows in the 2026–27 academic year:
Tuesdays 17:00–18:15, Kamppi
Thursdays 18:00–19:15, Kamppi
Classes will start on 1 September.
In addition to group classes, at least one additional class is required. This class can be chosen freely from our class offering. This training package (2 x closed group class, 1 other class) is offered at a subsidized price of 142 € per 4-week billing period or 670,95 € per semester (21 weeks).
Students chosen will be required to commit to the group for the entire academic year.
The group audition will be held on Saturday, August 22nd at 3:00 PM at the Leipätehdas studios in room LEI5 (Leipätehdas, Kaikukatu 4 A, courtyard building: 6th floor)
The rehearsal will start at 3:00 PM. Depending on the number of registrants, some participants may be invited to the group starting at 4:15 PM. A maximum of 20 students will be accepted into one application group.
You must register for the audition in advance using the online form by Friday, August 21st at 12:00 PM:
Register for the audition
Participants are asked to arrive well in advance, no later than 2:45 PM (for a possible later group, no later than 4:00 PM), so that the student has time to register in the lobby.
Equipment: dance costume or leggings/biking shorts and a tight top/t-shirt. Bare feet.
There is no need to be nervous about the rehearsal – the event always has a positive atmosphere and a good vibe!