Show dance intensive groups

Auditions 2024-25

The purpose of the intensive group activities of the Helsinki Dance Institute is to offer students the opportunity to deepen their skills, to perform actively and perhaps even orient themselves in a professional direction. The activity gives talented children and young people the opportunity to learn more about dance as a living art form, as lively performance is a central part of the teaching. Studying in an intensive group requires precision and the ability to do more demanding repetitions than in regular classes. In intensive groups, the main focus of learning is on basic art education, and lessons in other dance forms are a very important part of the young person’s development. The group quickly forms a tight and safe environment that supports learning, where many friendships are born.

The members of the group attend the intensive group’s own dance classes twice a week and, depending on the age level, choose at least 1–2 elective weekly classes of ballet, show dance, contemporary dance or jazz dance. We offer intensive students a training package (2 x 90 min group’s own training class + 1–2 x freely chosen class/week) at a subsidized price. The price for the next season will be confirmed during the summer and will be communicated to the students in the intensive groups at that time. The price for the 2023–24 season has been €614.25 – €826.87/semester. Competition trips, dance camps and possible costumes for the show are not included in the price.

During the school year, the groups participate in dance competitions and viewings that are considered suitable for each group. At the beginning of the autumn season, a joint dance camp for all intensive groups is organized, and also in the summer season, each group has its own week-long dance camp either in the city or in the countryside in Lapväärt near Kristiinankaupunki.

Auditions for all four intensive groups will be organized in the spring of 2024, see dates below. Those selected for the groups commit to the activity for the entire academic year 2024–25.

Intensive groups of academic year 2024–25 

Pisarat 10–12 years (b. 2012–2014)
The group practices together 2 x 75–90 min per week show dance taught by the group’s  teacher Adalmiina Toivola, and in addition at least 1 x per week a freely chosen class from our schedule.

Pohjantähdet 12–14 years (b. 2010–2012)
The group practices together 2 x 90 min show dance taught by the group’s teacher Sarlotta Kalliosalo, and in addition at least 2 x a week freely chosen classes from our schedule.

Revolution 14–16 years (b. 2008–2010)
The group practices together twice a week 2 x 90 min show dance taught by the group’s teacher Wilma Mehtonen-Laiho and at least 2 x a week freely chosen classes from our schedule.

Velocés from 15 years (born 2009 and older)
The group practices together twice a week 2 x 90 min show dance taught by the group’s teacher Wilma Mehtonen-Laiho and at least 2 x a week freely chosen classes from our schedule.

Auditions for intensive groups in spring 2024

In the spring of 2024, supplementary auditions for the 2024–25 academic year will be organized for all four intensive groups. Places for groups are limited.

Auditions for intensive groups take place at Leipätehdas at Kaikukatu 4 A, Helsinki, floors 5–6.

Mon 13.5. Pohjantähdet audition at 17:00–18:00 in studio LEI1. Preparation for the test dance and independent warm-up from 4:30 p.m.

Wed 15.5. Pisarat audition at 17:00–18:00 at studio LEI8. Preparation for the test dance and independent warm-up from 4:30 p.m.

Mon 20.5. Revolution and Velocés audition at 17:00–18:00 at studio LEI1. Preparation for the test dance and independent warm-up from 4:30 p.m.

The trial dance lesson/audition consists of sections characteristic of a show dance lesson. It includes a warm-up and a technique section, which assesses the student’s coordination ability and musicality. The audition also evaluates the applicant’s own creativity, perseverance and teamwork skills.

Registration for the auditions has ended on 9.5.2024.

We will notify all applicants of the results of the entrance exam in week 21, to the email address provided during registration. Those selected for the groups commit for the entire academic year 2024–25.

If possible, we hope that the selected students will participate in the summer courses organized in the summer of 2024.

Pisarat (10–12 year old) city camp is organized at Kamppi studios in Helsinki from 10 to 14 June as a day camp. Classes are held daily from 9:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The day includes a shared meal.

Pohjantähdet (12–14 years old) 1 week rural camp will be organized in Lapväärt from 30 July to 5 August. The price of the camp includes tuition, accommodation and meals.

Revolution (14–16 years old) city camp is organized at Leipätehdas in Helsinki from June 3rd to 7th. Classes will be mostly during evening time.

Velocés (from 15 years) city camp is organized at the Leipätehdas in Helsinki from June 3rd to 7th. Classes will be mostly during evening time.