In this course we’ll get to know each other. We will dance to the rhythm all together and we’ll let improvisation guide us.
The classes led by Janne Aspvik will start with a warm-up, during which we will open up the senses towards the space and towards the other bodies moving in the space.
The warm-up is followed by rhythmic exercises, in which we will learn how to sing and play short rhythmic phrases. During the course the aim is to learn how to vary these phrases - in other words improvise within the frame of these predetermined rhythmic phrases. After which we will move by ourselves, in pairs and as a group. The participants will be given the opportunity to practice the dialogical relationship between movement improvisation and these rhythmic phrases.
The course draws partially from the performance Floor is Lava (choreographed by Janina Rajakangas) and its workshop-material that Janne Aspvik has been facilitating as a drummer and a dancer together with Janina Rajakangas.
One does not need prior knowledge neither from music nor dance. A relaxed outfit with layers is recommendable since we will alternate between playing music and dancing.
Janne Aspvik is a dance artist, who graduated with a BA in Dance Arts from the University of the Arts Helsinki in 2010. He has worked as a dancer i.e. at Helsinki City Theatre, Dance Theatre Minimi, Dance Theatre Raatikko, Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth, Routa Company, AB Dance Company and also in the works of Tero Saarinen, Alpo Aaltokoski, Petri Kekoni, Liisa Pentti, Elina Pirinen, Janina Rajakangas, Maya M. Carroll and Taneli Törmä.
Janne has made his own choreographic work since 2012. He has been teaching in several institutes and vocational trainings. He has been actively playing drums since the beginning of the 90’s and studied drumming i.e. at Central Ostrobothnia Conservatory and in the jazz based music program at Svefi Academy in Sweden. These days alongside the dancing Janne plays drums in the bands Orphan Waves and in Pennies by the Pound.
Janne Apsvik is one of the members in the working group behind the performance Floor is Lava by Janina Rajakangas Project. Floor is Lava will premiere during the fall in the schools. The performance will also been seen in Pannu hall in Dance House Helsinki in Spring 2026. Read more about the performance here.
Indulge the Movement – Contemporary Dance for All courses are mainly instructed by the choreographers and performers of Zodiak's previous, current and upcoming season's performances. Indulge the Movement courses are suitable for everyone, and you can join even without any prior dance experience. The classes focus on motion and movement while also offering an opportunity to explore various dance practices through alternating instructors.
All you need are comfortable clothes suitable for movement and a water bottle. During the classes, we dance barefoot or with socks. The courses are held in Finnish and/or English according to the needs of the participants.
Please note that from fall 2025 on, one cannot make up absences from the classes in the Indulge the Movement -courses. We encourage to you to take care that you can attend all the classes you've signed up to.
Please note that you cannot arrive class later than 5 minutes past the starting time. After that the door will close. This is to ensure everyone a peaceful and concentrated course atmosphere. For more information on how to participate in the courses see How to Participate.
The photo credits for the portraits below:
1) Antti Ahtiluoto
2) Anastasiia Khudonohova
