Tero Saarinen
Encyclopedia
Tero Saarinen is a Finnish dancer and choreographer. Saarinen grew up in Finland and began training at the Finnish Ballet School, where he was for three years before appearing as a professional dancer. He went on to join the Ballet Company in 1985 and received accolades for his work as a soloist. In 1992 he left the Finnish National Ballet to explore other styles and types of dance from around the world. He studied in Japan for one year, focusing on traditional Japanese dance and Butoh. Saarinen also traveled extensively in Western Europe where he was included by the modern and contemporary dance he encountered. While in Europe he danced with a German Company and performed in Italy with Daniel Erzalow.
In 1996 Saarinen founded the Tero Saarinen Company for which he choreographs. Saarinen describes the purpose of his choreography saying, “Dance is my attempt to understand human nature and its multiple manifestations.” Saarinen asserts the importance of dance and specifically the work of his company to promote human values through the physical manifestation of dance. The Tero Saarinen Company has toured extensively around the world. Currently the Tero Saarinen Company is in residence at Helsinki’s Alexander Theatre.
Additionally, Saarinen’s has created new works for other dance companies such as: Batsheva Dance Company, Nederlands Dans Theater, Lyon Opera Ballet, Ballet National de Marseille and the Finnish National Ballet. His choreography has received critical acclaim and in 2001 Saarinen was awarded the Finland Prize. In 2004 he received both the International Movimentos Dance Prize for Best Male Performer in Germany and the title of “Chevalier de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” by the French Ministry of Culture. In 2005 he won the Pro Finlandia medal, the most prestigious prize given to artists in Finland.
In 1996 Saarinen founded the Tero Saarinen Company for which he choreographs. Saarinen describes the purpose of his choreography saying, “Dance is my attempt to understand human nature and its multiple manifestations.” Saarinen asserts the importance of dance and specifically the work of his company to promote human values through the physical manifestation of dance. The Tero Saarinen Company has toured extensively around the world. Currently the Tero Saarinen Company is in residence at Helsinki’s Alexander Theatre.
Additionally, Saarinen’s has created new works for other dance companies such as: Batsheva Dance Company, Nederlands Dans Theater, Lyon Opera Ballet, Ballet National de Marseille and the Finnish National Ballet. His choreography has received critical acclaim and in 2001 Saarinen was awarded the Finland Prize. In 2004 he received both the International Movimentos Dance Prize for Best Male Performer in Germany and the title of “Chevalier de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” by the French Ministry of Culture. In 2005 he won the Pro Finlandia medal, the most prestigious prize given to artists in Finland.