Canela
Canela dance company is one of the pioneers of new flamenco in Finland. With emphasis on flamenco and contemporary dance, the aim of the company is to promote the status of flamenco as a form of art, and to associate dance with other performing arts. The essence of Canela's art is to create 'world dance' that escapes any definition from a national point of view.
The company was founded in 2001, and its members are Anna Palmio, Annatuuli Saine, and Erika Alajärvi, all experienced and recognized dancers, choreographers, and pedagogues.
So far Canela's most important international production is the Spanish Suite (Espanjalainen sarja), the choreographies of which were ordered from four prominent Spanish flamenco artists: Belén Maya, Israel Galván, Rafaela Carrasco, and Andrés Marín. Canela has also created different solos and group pieces. Canela's productions have toured in Finland, as well as in Russia, Sweden, and Japan.
In 2007, nearly 3000 spectators attended Canela's performances, and the company's productions engaged 13 people.
In 2008, Canela is working with a solo trilogy whose themes are faith, hope, and love. The choreographers of the solo project are three internationally acknowledged Finnish dance artists, Alpo Aaltokoski, Jyrki Karttunen, and Arja Raatikainen. The premiere of the trilogy is in October 2008, see Ajankohtaista (News & events).