Sanna Hento dances 1,500 kilometres from Helsinki to Utsjoki

Espoo-based dance artist Sanna Hento has completed a 1,500-kilometre journey from Helsinki to Utsjoki in 88 days, Yle reports. She says she is believed to be the first person to make the journey by dancing.

Hento began the journey on April 29 and reached Utsjoki on September 6. She said she had been unable to find any information about anyone having previously completed such a dance journey.

The idea emerged six years ago when Hento’s choreographer and creative partner, Satu Aavaranta, asked what she would like to do. Hento replied that it would be “really cool” to dance from Helsinki to Utsjoki.

After the idea was put aside for three years, the pair decided that its unusual nature was a reason to carry it out. Hento then spent two and a half years preparing physically and mentally.

She built her endurance through walking, running, long dance practices, bodyweight training and yoga. This year also marks her 30th anniversary as an artist, which she said made dancing across Finland an appropriate way to celebrate.

Hento mainly used three types of steps adapted for asphalt: a jive chassé modified from competitive dance technique, a movement resembling samba’s botafogo and samba running. The road surface, inclines, declines, potholes and turns determined which movements she used. She also incorporated other forms, including paso doble, depending on the terrain and her mood.

One of her goals was to bring dance and dance art closer to audiences outside theatre stages. Hento said people’s reactions were restrained at first, but became very positive from Oulu onwards as media coverage increased. People came to watch her dance and waved to her each day.

She also held workshops during the journey, allowing other dancers to take part. According to Hento, participants and supporters ranged from very young children to people over 90.