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Post Workshopof the Midnight Sun CI Festival 2026 Dynamic Flying - Contact Improvisation Workshop with Mirva Mäkinen
Step into the exhilarating world of dynamic flying in this contact improvisation workshop led by Mirva Mäkinen. Designed for movers with some prior experience in contact improvisation, this session focuses on the playful yet precise exploration of lifts, momentum, and shared flight.
Together, we will investigate how to generate and receive energy, moving in and out of the floor with efficiency and clarity. Through guided exercises, you’ll develop skills in timing, counterbalance, and responsive partnering—learning how to safely enter and exit lifts while maintaining a continuous flow.
Dynamic flying invites a balance of trust and technique. We’ll work with pathways into the air, exploring how spirals, weight shifts, and directional forces can support effortless lifting and landing. Attention will be given to listening through touch, refining sensitivity so that movement emerges collaboratively rather than through force.
Mirva creates a focused and encouraging environment where participants can expand their physical confidence while staying grounded in safety and awareness. Expect a mix of structured tasks and open improvisation, allowing space to integrate new material into your own movement language.
Requirements:
Some prior experience with contact improvisation or partner work is recommended.
MIRVA MÄKINEN Bio:
I graduated as a Doctor of Dance from University of Arts in Helsinki in 2018. My doctoral research is about Somaesthetics of Contact Improvisation. Artistic research is focusing on values in contact improvisation and how it is presented in a somaesthetic performance context. I graduated (MA) from the Dance Department from the University of Arts, Finland in 2000, before that I did masters of Physical Education from University of Jyväskylä.
In dance I am interested in the feeling of flow and research of kinetic energy. I love to investigate movement, its rhythm and different ways of inhabiting the body. A feeling of dancing is created by management of gravitational forces, falling responses and inertia.
My Choreographies, Dance Pedagogy and Art Pedagogy refers to artistic activity infused by pedagogical viewpoints, generating a field of continuous learning. My choreographies provide a strong foundation for creative and critical thinking, as well as development of solid artistic-pedagogical skills. I believe that making art is based on listening to and encountering each other. It is an open process of interaction and learning, where we step into the unknown, take risks and try out new ways of doing.
From 2000 onwards I have worked as a dance teacher, choreographer and lecturer for dance at the Kallio Upper Secondary School of Performing Arts. During the last 25 years I have been teaching in several international dance schools and professional dance companies including for example Cullberg Ballet in Sweden. I am regularly teaching bachelor and MA students in University of the Arts, Helsinki.
I have been working as an choreographer and as a dancer with many different dance companies and choreographers, here few of them: Helsinki Dance Company, Tampereen Työväen Teatteri, Center for new dance Zodiak, Dance theatre Minimi, Dance company Karttunen Kollektiv (choreographer Jyrki Karttunen), New Circus Company Circo Aereo, choreographer Joona Halonen, Echo Echo dance company (Northern Ireland), collaboration with Frey Faust and collaboration with Joerg Hassmann. During 2014-2024 I have been working as a dancer with finnish choreographer Valtteri Raekallio. I have been performing and teaching contemporary dance internationally in more than 40 different countries.
www.mirvamakinen.com
Link to Mirvas phd: https://actascenica.teak.fi/makinen-mirva
🔸Schedule:
16.-18.6.2026
DAILY 10:00–16:00 (lunch break 13:00-14.00)
🔸Price:
Early Bird 220€ (first 5 tickets)
After 250€
🔸REGISTER: https://forms.gle/MwKJ3QwrAfdFMcSz7
🔸Location: Tanssistudio Fokus Tehtaankatu 27-29, 00150 Helsinki
Entry through inner courtyard
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Event Venue
Tanssistudio Fokus, Tehtaankatu 27-29,Helsinki, Finland
Tickets
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