Northern Finland lacks dancers for demanding ballet classics, so Oulu creates entirely new works

The only two groups in Finland regularly producing new ballet works—Helsinki’s National Ballet and Oulu’s Tenho—are taking different approaches, with the northern company focusing on original productions tailored to local talent, Yle reports.

Oulu-based ballet group Tenho is preparing for the September premiere of Sirkka, a dark new ballet inspired by the praying mantis and part of the city’s European Capital of Culture programme. Despite limited resources, advance ticket sales have nearly sold out—an unprecedented response six months before opening night.

The shift toward original works stems from a shortage of dancers skilled in classical repertoire. Choreographer Alexandra Tiger explains that new productions allow flexibility in technique and storytelling, matching the mixed skill levels of Tenho’s cast, which includes both professionals and dedicated amateurs. “Creating something new gives us more freedom to adapt to our dancers’ abilities,” she says.

Dancer and instructor Hanna Sirén agrees, noting that original works let artists “express themselves authentically within their technical range.” While only lead soloists receive compensation, participants gain experience—a trade-off Tiger acknowledges with regret. “It’s shameful we can’t pay professionals what they deserve, but the skills they develop stay with them forever.”

Sirkka explores themes of societal pressure and inner conflict through a female protagonist, with supporting roles including angels, beetles, and devils—one played by singer Mikko Pohjola, a latecomer to ballet. “This group pushes boundaries fearlessly,” he says of the collaborative process. For Pohjola, the work reflects art’s power to reveal uncharted aspects of humanity: “Everyone takes something different from it. No one can dictate how you should feel.”

Though northern audiences are still learning to embrace ballet, demand for locally produced work is growing. Tiger calls Oulu a surprisingly receptive environment, despite modest budgets. “For the first time, we’re seeing a premiere nearly sold out months in advance,” she says. “People here want ballet made by the North, for the North.”