Helsinki Flamenco Bienal to feature extensive free program
The Helsinki Flamenco Bienal offers a rich selection of free events for all audiences. The centerpiece of the free program takes place on Saturday, April 26, when the festival welcomes the public to the Dance House Helsinki lobby for a vibrant day of encounters, discussions, a flamenco trial lesson, pop-up performances, and an array of sales and presentation tables. In addition, the festival features panel discussions and a festive Flamenco All-Stars Sauna Club closes each festival day from Wednesday to Saturday 22.-26.4.
PANEL DISCUSSIONS explore the boundaries of art
The Bienal hosts two insightful panel discussions that reflect on flamenco’s evolution and place in today’s artistic landscape.
On Wednesday, April 23, the discussion titled “Something Traditional, Something Borrowed” examines the tools of artistic creation and the layers of expression. Featured speakers include flamenco’s leading avant-garde figure Israel Galván, and Kaari Martin, co-artistic director of Compañía Kaari & Roni Martin and the Helsinki Flamenco Bienal. They are joined by violinist Miritza Lundberg, whose doctoral research explores the connections between flamenco, Romani, and art music. Flamenco guitarist Joonas Widenius will moderate the conversation. The event takes place at 6:00 PM at the Theatre Museum, with free admission.
On Saturday, April 26, a second panel titled “What Is Allowed?” will bring together three young artists to discuss flamenco, artistic freedom, and the limitations set by community and society. This discussion begins at 3:00 PM in the Dance House lobby and will also be moderated by Joonas Widenius.
Both panels will be conducted in English.
Spotlight on Madrid's Flamenco BieNnal – Guest Performance on Thursday
In collaboration with Bienal Flamenco Madrid, Helsinki Flamenco Bienal presents a free pop-up performance by Julio Ruiz on Thursday, April 24 at 7:00 PM in the Dance House lobby. La Familia is a multidisciplinary work that blends flamenco, performance art, and literature. It takes audiences on a personal and artistic journey exploring family dynamics, identity, and the transmission of emotional and cultural heritage.
Ruiz will also perform another pop-up piece during Saturday’s Flamenco Market.
Flamenco Market – From Trial Lessons to A Flea Market
Saturday’s Flamenco Market invites visitors to enjoy a relaxed day in the Dance House lobby, exploring a diverse program and vibrant community atmosphere. Sales and presentation tables are open from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and flamenco lovers can browse a flea market featuring dancewear and performance attire.
At 12:00 PM, a free flamenco trial lesson led by dance artist Marja Rautakorpi introduces participants to flamenco’s expressive movement language and compelling rhythms. No previous experience is required. The workshop is accompanied by live music from guitarist Joonas Widenius.
At 1:00 PM, the space transforms with Un Diálogo entre Paula Comitre y Julio Ruiz - an intensive 15-minute pop-up performance exploring connection and human interaction through dance.
The afternoon concludes with the Flamenco Today panel discussion at 3:00 PM.
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Festival Performances on Saturday, April 26 (Tickets via lippu.fi)
1:30 PM – Orlando Bass: Iberia, Pannuhalli
4:00 PM – Paula Comitre: Après Vous, Madame, Pannuhalli
6:00 PM – Compañía Kaari & Roni Martin: ¡Lorca!, Erkko Hall