Tavis Dance Company is a contemporary dance group for adults. The group meets weekly in Kuopio to explore dance improvisation and contemporary dance techniques. Registration for the fall 2026 classes is now open!
Tavis Dance Company is a dance group organized by the Regional Dance Center of Eastern Finland, 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 group is led by dance artist Katja Mustonen.
This fall, two training groups will meet: Tanssien tutuksi and Syväsukellus. Check out the group details and schedules below!
Who will be the teacher of TDC in the fall of 2026?
Tavis Dance Company’s rehearsals are led by dance artist Katja Mustonen. On a few occasions, a substitute instructor will lead the sessions. Katja is a dance artist, dance teacher, and choreographer. Her work in dance has taken her around the world over the past twenty years and most recently brought her here to Kuopio to join Dance Theater Minimi. 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.
What do you do at Tavis Dance Company rehearsals?
In both groups, classes feature guided improvisation exercises based on contemporary dance and movement improvisation; we encourage curiosity and dance from our own personal starting points.
During the classes, participants move alone, in pairs, or with the whole group, exploring different ways to express themselves through dance and engaging in physical interaction.
Everyone interested in physical expression and willing to explore their own dance practice and the possibilities of group work with an open mind is welcome to join the groups.
The fall 2026 rehearsal season also includes a performance visit. Both TDC groups will attend a guest performance of The Solo Series—a showcase of solo dance works—at the ITAK stage on Wednesday, November 11, at 6:00 p.m.
Tanssien tutuksi
In the Tanssien tutuksi group’s classes, participants get to know themselves and others through dance, movement, and touch. Classes last 90 minutes. The group meets on Mondays from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the ITAK stage in Kuopio. The rehearsals are held mainly in Finnish.
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.
Syväsukellus
Syväsukellus group’s rehearsals focus on exploring the limits and possibilities of one’s own dance practice and physicality in greater depth. Rehearsals last 120 minutes. The group rehearses on Mondays from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the ITAK stage in Kuopio. The rehearsals are held mainly in Finnish.
The sessions 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, in pairs, or as a group. Everyone who wants to explore their own dance practice with an open mind and in depth is welcome to join the group.
The Story of Tavis Dance Company
Tavis Dance Company grew out of dance workshops for ordinary people in Kuopio, launched in 2013 by dance artist Tomi Paasonen. 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 work has 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 a variety of works. The Tavis Dance Company has also performed at Kasaridisko in Suonenjoki, the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival, and various events in Kuopio’s cultural scene.
Schedule for the Fall 2026 Season
The Tanssien tutuksi group meets on Mondays from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. The Syväsukellus group meets on Mondays from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Rehearsals are held at the ITAK Theater in Kuopio (Suokatu 42/2).
Meeting dates (16 times per season)
Mon, Aug 17
Mon, Aug 24
Mon, Aug 31
Mon, Sep 7
Mon, Sep 14
Mon, Sep 21
Mon, Sep 28
Mon, Oct 5 – substitute
Mon, Oct. 19
Mon, Oct. 26 – substitute
Mon, Nov. 2
Mon, Nov. 9
Mon, Nov. 16
Mon, Nov. 23
Mon, Nov. 30
Mon, Dec. 14
Registration and participation fee
Sign up for your preferred group soon! Groups are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and often fill up before the registration deadline.
Fill out the form below by June 14, 2026, at the latest.
After the registration period ends, you will receive payment instructions via email, and closer to the start of the group, you will also receive additional information about participation.
Tanssien tutuksi
90-minute sessions, 16 sessions total + performance visit during the fall 2026 season
€160 / €140* / €200**
Syväsukellus
120-minute sessions, 16 sessions total + performance visit during the fall 2026 season
€180 / €160* / €200**
*Students, those performing military or civilian service, retirees, and the unemployed are eligible for the discounted price. Please be prepared to provide proof of your eligibility for the discounted course fee.
**Tavis Dance Company’s support price. Please select the support fee if you wish to and are able to support TDC’s activities.
If you have any questions about the groups, registration, or fees, please send an email to itak@itak.fi.
More info on TDC
Maijariitta Karhulahti
Producer
maijariitta.karhulahti@itak.fi
+358 50 581 6300
Performances and event production, ITAK Stage, Tavis Dance Company, invoicing, statistics
Sign up
The course signup is open and ends on 14.6.2026 at 23:00