In this Indulge the Movement -course with Jussi Ulkuniemi, we will discover how we can let dance burst from the body.
How does dance happen? What does it feel like at its best? Am I the one dancing – or does dance happen through me?
In this course, guided by Jussi Ulkuniemi, we allow dance to burst from the body. We focus on enjoying movement and channelling inner sensations, observing how our bodies, the space around us and fellow dancers create a constantly shifting playground of movement.
Each session begins with a gentle tuning-in to help you leave the day behind and connect with your body. Through guided improvisation tasks, we practise surrendering to the flow of sensations, impulses and thoughts, allowing dance to pour outward without excessive self-criticism.
The exercises are guided verbally, with some involving consensual touch. Some tasks include partner work and group dancing, with Jussi always participating alongside students to create a supportive, collective energy where no one feels alone.
Jussi Ulkuniemi is a Helsinki-based queer artist, dancer and photographer whose work explores intimacy and touch through dance, photography and performance. Their artistic practice centres on creative dialogue, weaving personal experiences into broader social and political questions.
Jussi studied movement and performance research at Outokumpu Vocational School and dance at the Theatre Academy of Uniarts Helsinki. During their exchange year, they studied in the BA programme Dance, Context and Choreography at the Inter-University Centre for Dance Berlin (HZT). They also studied photography at Lahti Institute of Design and Fine Arts.
Jussi Ulkuniemi is one of the Zodiak Laboratory Residency Artists for fall 2025. You can get to know Jussi's artistic work in the residency's demo performances on 16th & 17th of October. Read more about the residency 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.
