Tavis Dance Company

Tavis Dance Company is a community dance group organized by the Eastern Finland Regional Dance Center, consisting of ordinary people of all ages who are curious, open-minded, and eager to express themselves and try new things. TDC’s dancers are a diverse and colorful group of people of all ages, each with their own unique and expressive personalities. The group is characterized by curiosity, openness, and a strong desire to express themselves.

The Story of Tavis Dance Company

Tavis Dance Company grew out of dance workshops for adults in Kuopio, initiated by dance artist Tomi Paasonen in 2013. Participants were encouraged to be curious and to experiment with movement and physical creativity. They were encouraged to move their bodies guided by their thoughts, senses, memories, and emotions.

The group’s original idea was to bring dance and movement-based thinking closer to people who had no prior dance experience. The aim was also to grow an audience interested in dance and to weave the power of dance into people’s everyday lives.

Tavis Dance Company began its activities in January 2017. Its activities have met a significant need for the development of contemporary dance among adults. TDC has performed at the Paikallisliike contemporary dance festival in Kuopio in 2017, 2018, and 2019 with works of various forms. Tavis has also performed at Kasaridisko in Suonenjoki, the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival, and various events in Kuopio’s cultural scene.

In the spring of 2026, there will be two training groups

Getting to know each other through dance

In the “Getting to Know Each Other Through Dance” group’s sessions, participants get to know themselves and others through dance, movement, and touch.

The “Getting to Know Each Other Through Dance” group meets on Mondays from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the ITAK stage in Kuopio.

The classes feature guided improvisation exercises based on contemporary dance and movement improvisation; participants are encouraged to be curious and dance from their own starting points. In the group, you can explore your own dance creativity boldly and creatively. During the classes, we move alone, with a partner, or as a whole group, exploring different ways to express ourselves through dance and physical expression. No prior dance experience is required to participate.

Deep Dive

The Deep Dive group’s rehearsals focus on exploring the limits and possibilities of one’s own dance and physicality in greater depth.

The Deep Dive group rehearses on Mondays from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the ITAK stage in Kuopio.

Classes are score-based and explore themes proposed by the instructor as well as those emerging from the group. At the heart of the group’s work is an exploratory approach to dance and physical expression. During classes, participants move alone, with a partner, or within the group. Everyone who wishes to explore their own dance practice with an open mind and in depth is welcome to join the group.

Teacher Katja Mustonen

Katja Mustonen is a dance artist, dance teacher, and choreographer. Her work in dance has taken her around the world over the past two decades and most recently brought her here to Kuopio to join Dance Theater Mini. In dance, she is interested in holistic performance, where strong physicality is combined with experiential work, emotional and energetic expression, and imagination. Within contemporary dance, Katja’s special expertise and passions lie in improvisation, partner techniques, and contact improvisation.

Special discount for TDC members on ITAK Stage performances

Members of Tavis Dance Company can attend performances by the Regional Dance Center for Eastern Finland at the ITAK stage for a flat rate of 5 euros. We recommend reserving your seat in advance by emailing itak@itak.fi.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tavis Dance Company

What's it like to be part of TDC?

Tavis Dance Company is founded on trust and creative freedom, but also on responsibility. The choreographers are responsible for the overall production, and each dancer is responsible for themselves and their own work. A safe and comfortable atmosphere is always created together with the participants.

I've never danced before. Can I join the group?

Yes! At Tavis Dance Company, we move according to our own body language, our own movement patterns, and our comfort zone. You don’t need any prior experience—your own movement language is the only one that matters.

What should I wear to the rehearsals?

Comfortable clothes that fit well and allow you to move freely. You should also bring a water bottle!

What if the instructor gets sick and the class is canceled?

In the event that an instructor is ill, ITAK will endeavor to find a substitute for that class or reschedule the class to another time. ITAK will notify participants separately of any instructor absences via email.

What if I get sick or have to be away?

Please let the instructor know if you are unable to attend a specific class. If you are at risk of missing the entire season, please contact the producer at the Regional Dance Center of Eastern Finland.

What if physical contact with other people makes me nervous?

You're not alone! Feel free to talk openly with the instructor about your anxiety. All exercises done during the sessions are voluntary, and no one is forced to do anything they don't want to.

Ask for more information about Tavis Dance Company