Guest teachers

Anne-Marie Ludwig | Ballet intermediate course 29.7.–9.8. (2 weeks)

Minimum 2,5 years (adults)/ 3,5 years (teens) of previous studies required

Course number: 24118
Classes: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri 18.00–19.30
Studio: LEI5
Course fee: 170 €

 

 

 

 

 

Anne-Marie Ludwig received her dance training at the National Ballet School of Canada, after which she graduated as a pedagogue from the University of York in England (BFA with Honours). In 2016, Anne-Marie was awarded the internationally significant Maestro Cecchetti Diploma. From 2016 to 2024, she has worked in Germany in Dresden, Berlin, and Hamburg with various groups and major theaters.

In addition to her work as a dancer, Anne-Marie has regularly taught advanced ballet as well as various workshops in Canada, Europe, and Asia. Many remember Anne-Marie also for her award-winning choreographies, Concerto Brioso and Concerto in D major.

In the summer of 2024, Anne-Marie is visiting the Helsinki Dance Institute for the third time. In her teaching, Anne-Marie emphasizes clarity of alignment, repetition, and precise musicality to develop strength, clean technique, and artistic expression. She also focuses on breath and directing body weight to facilitate movement and endurance.

 

Riku Lehtopolku | Contemporary intermediate course 5.8.–9.8. (1 week)

Minimum 2,5 years (adults)/ 3,5 years (teens) of previous studies required

Course number: 24049
Classes: Mon, Tue, Wed 17.30-19.00; Thu, Fri 19.00–20.30 (90 min)
Studio: LEI6
Course fee: 100 €

 

 

 

 

 

Riku Lehtopolku is a versatile dance artist. He has worked as a dancer and choreographer at Pori Dance Company since 2001, performing in works by Jorma Uotinen, Tero Saarinen, Marjo Kuusela, Tommi Kitti, and Jarkko Mandelin, among others. Riku also served as the group’s co-artistic director from 2014 to 2019 and has created a total of 11 pieces for the group. From 2020 to 2024, Riku has been the artistic director of the Kuopio Dance Festival.

In addition to PDC, Riku has worked as a dancer in productions by the Finnish National Ballet, Skånes Dansteater, and Iceland Dance Company. Since 2006, Lehtopolku has also worked as Jorma Uotinen’s choreographic assistant and rehearsal director for his works at the Finnish National Ballet and the Royal Danish Ballet.

As a teacher, Riku guides towards a breathable and observant body. In his classes, the aim is to grasp the mechanics of movement and identify cause-and-effect relationships so that the body can move freely even in more demanding movement sequences. Special attention is paid to phrasing and clarity of different movement qualities. It is important for Riku that the classes have a safe atmosphere where everyone dares to challenge themselves and immerse themselves in fully experiential dance.