International Summer Intensive of the Finnish National Ballet
welcome to the International Summer Intensive
We are excited to welcome you again at the state-of-the-art facilities of the Finnish National Opera and Ballet in Helsinki for this unique co-learning and networking event from 21 to 26 July 2025.
Combine your artistic, technical, and personal growth, with the thrill of discovering the vibrant capital of Finland and its rich cultural scene.
Helsinki, the pearl of the north, is a charming city renowned for its closeness to nature, safety, cleanliness, and its enchanting long summer days.
We are looking forward to welcoming you in July 2025.
Tervetuloa Suomeen! Welcome to Finland!
Follow us @fnob_summer_intensive
summer intensive
The International Summer Intensive of the Finnish National Ballet will take place from 21 to 26 July 2025.
The structure of the Summer Intensive is thoroughly designed to match the needs of all participants 12–22 years of age. A week of intense collaborative knowledge exchange aimed to develop and improve ballet and dance skills of the next generation.
Linking tradition with innovation, classical with contemporary movements, this year’s edition focuses on diversity in dance and fostering versatility in aspiring dancers.
Five daily lessons comprising classical ballet, pointe technique, repertoire, character classes, street dance, as well as alternative ballet and dance supportive training methods (body conditioning, Progressive Ballet Technique) are taught by our distinguished, and inspiring international faculty.
Elevate your artistry at our International Summer Intensive 2025, featuring besides the exquisite professionals of the Finnish National Ballet, the innovative contemporary choreography of Julian Nicosia, the refined elegance and classical expertise of Svetlana Ballester, and the dynamic energy and urban dance mastery of Akim Bakhtaoui, providing an exceptional experience across diverse dance disciplines.
What we offer:
Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT)
Body Conditioning
Classical Ballet
Pointe Technique
Repertoire
Character Dance
Street Dance
Choreographer’s Workshop
faculty
Svetlana Violeta Ballester Akimova
Cuba/Russia
Maître de Ballet & Regisseur – National Ballet of Cuba
Former Principal Dancer – National Ballet of Cuba
classical ballet – repertoire
Read more about Svetlana (PDF)
Julian Nicosia
France
Choreographer
choreographer’s workshop Julian Nicosia
Read more about Julian (PDF)
Akim Bakhtaoui
Finland
Choreographer, Performer, Master of Street dances, Contemporary Dance Professional
Street Dance
Read more about Akim (PDF)
Jutta Mustakallio Ruusunen
Finland
Character Dance Teacher – Ballet School of the Finnish National Opera and Ballet
Ballet Production Planner – Finnish National Ballet
character dance
Read more about Jutta (PDF)
Ophélie Rodighiero
France
Ballet Teacher – Ballet School of the Finnish National Opera and Ballet
classical ballet – repertoire – Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT)
Read more about Ophélie in Ballet School webpage
Tiina Myllymäki
Finland
Lead Principal Dancer – Finnish National Ballet
classical ballet – repertoire
Read more about Tiina
Henrik Burman
Sweden
Body Conditioning
Read more about Henrik in Ballet School webpage
Nicholas Ziegler
Germany
Artistic Coordinator – Youth Company of the Finnish National Ballet
repertoire
Read more about Nicholas (PDF)
Our faculty will be accompanied by the excellent pianists of the Finnish National Opera and Ballet.
how to apply
Application dates are 1 December 2024 – 30 April 2025.
Applicants 12–22 years of age can register under the link below:
Applicants attending a professional education program (e.g. students of a National or a Royal Ballet School) can enrol by filling out the application form and including a recommendation letter of their school’s director and/or current ballet teacher. Please attach a head shot photo, and a picture in 1st arabesque.
Applicants who are a member of a Company or Youth Company can enrol by filling out the application form and including their CV. Please attach a head shot photo, and a picture in 1st arabesque.
Applicants of private ballet schools can enrol by filling out the application form and need to include a video link (YouTube or VIMEO). More info under “video requirements” below. Please attach a headshot photo, and a picture in 1st arabesque.
A video with no introduction or fancy editing, consisting of the following performed in leotard and tights for women and tight-fitting dance attire for men:
- 3–5 minutes of barre work, incorporating both sides, danced in soft shoes.
- 3–5 minutes of center work that includes adagio, pirouettes, petit and grand allegro. Some pointe work for female applicants.
- Optional: a classical variation drawn from the standard repertoire, danced in pointe shoes by female applicants (this can be also from a performance).
tuition
accommodation
We are pleased to offer our Summer Intensive participants exclusive discounts at Töölö Towers, located in a 10 min walking distance to the Finnish National Opera and Ballet. Upon acceptance of your registration, you will receive a discount code for convenient and affordable accommodations.
Please note that all bookings will be managed directly by Töölö Towers, ensuring a seamless reservation process for your stay just minutes away from the Finnish National Opera and Ballet.
More info about Töölö Towers at their website.
contact
For further questions, please contact us under summer.intensive@opera.fi
Please add “LAST NAME First Name” in the subject line of your email.
pictures of the finnish national opera and ballet
disclaimer
A refund will only be possible in case a cancellation is made due to a force majeure reason or health problem, and a medical certificate is presented.
For all other cancellations made by 31.5.2025 an administrative cost of €250 will be deducted of the amount to be refunded.
In both cases, a refund must be applied for by 31.7.2025.
Tuition fees are be paid in oopperabaletti.fi online store. The online store accepts all the major cards (Visa, Eurocard, MasterCard) and online bank transfer. Tuition fees cannot be paid by invoice.
All participants are required to have accident insurance. Participants are not insured through The Finnish National Opera and Ballet. The organizer is not liable for any injuries and/or health problems.
The Finnish National Opera and Ballet has the right to make changes to the faculty and to the content of the course.
In the case of a cancellation due to force majeure, refund of the payment will be made. The Finnish National Opera and Ballet will not reimburse any additional expenses incurred.