Ballet School - History and Present
Ballet School Hannele Suomalainen | Tampere & Ylöjärvi

We took our first dance steps in 1965. Founded by dance teacher Sini Virtanen, the ballet school originally operated in Jyväskylä, but we’ve been based in the Pirkanmaa region since 1986. Today, more than 350 students train under the guidance of ten dance teachers.
We adopted our current name in 1989, when ballet pedagogue Hannele Suomalainen became the artistic director of our school. Today, our ballet school follows the national Basic Education in the Arts curriculum, both general and advanced levels. Our school caters to both hobbyists and aspiring professionals.

We primarily teach children and young people. The school also offers adult ballet classes for individuals over 16. Our aim is to support long-term engagement in dance and provide the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for any further dance studies. We emphasize individual development and help each student grow purposefully as a dancer.

Our main performances take place during our annual winter and spring showcases. We also participate in a range of national dance competitions and showcases each year, such as the National Ballet Competition, Arktiset Askeleet, All in Jazz dance showcase, Performing Arts IKM/SM qualifiers, Estradi dance competitions, among others.

A specialty of ours is full-length ballet productions, several of which we have performed over the years. We have staged impressive ballets in collaboration with students from the Finnish National Opera Ballet School. Our repertoire includes classics such as Swan Lake, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Alice in Wonderland, The Nutcracker and many more.

Basic Education in the Arts

Ballet School Hannele Suomalainen is authorized to provide Basic Education in the Arts for both dedicated hobbyists and those pursuing a professional path. Our school follows both the advanced (LAAJA OPS) and general (YLEINEN OPS) curricula.

Basic Education in the Arts means the teaching is goal-oriented, continuous, and progressive each year, conducted by qualified teachers in a planned manner. It adheres to a municipality-specific curriculum based on the guidelines set by the Finnish National Agency for Education.

Specialized Ballet Training

Our ballet school offers the opportunity to be selected for specialized ballet training program based on an entrance audition. We offer several specialized training groups that provide intensive instruction, expanded stage experience, and tailored support for talented and driven ballet students aiming to deepen their skills.

The goal of the specialized training program is to prepare students for professional studies. It also provides a pathway to the Finnish National Opera Ballet School's three-year special training program in Ballet, where several of our students are currently studying. This program is led by our principal, Hannele Suomalainen.

See current announcements for application details!

Contact Us

Ballet School Support Association

The Ballet School Hannele Suomalainen is supported by a registered association founded in 1970. Its mission is to support the success of talented and dedicated students in the field of dance. The association operates flexibly and welcomes everyone interested in supporting dance education.

Each spring showcase, the association awards scholarships to students for continued dance studies. These are mainly funded by a volunteer-run café at performances. Donations are also welcome.

Joining is easy—just pay the €10 annual membership fee. Paying the fee doesn’t involve any obligations. For more information, please contact the chair of the support association.

Membership fee can be paid to:
Lapsi- ja nuorisobaletin kannatusyhdistys ry
FI5955370120013553. 

Thank you for your support!
Contact Information

Ballet Highlights Over the Years

Over the years, the ballet school has staged many productions, including:
  • 1986 In the Toy Shop (chor. Sini Virtanen, Vammala, Ylöjärvi) 
  • 1988 Pessi and Illusia (chor. Sini Virtanen, Vammala, Ylöjärvi) 
  • 1991 Hansel and Gretel (chor. Sini Virtanen, Ylöjärvi and Tesoma) 
  • 1993 The Snow Queen (chor. Hannele Suomalainen, Tampere and Ylöjärvi) 
  • 1994 Save the Inheritance (chor. Marjaana Keskitalo, Tampere) 
  • 1995 The Little Mermaid (chor. Hannele Suomalainen, Tampere and Ylöjärvi) 
  • 1996 Dolls (chor. Hannele Suomalainen, Tampere and Ylöjärvi) 
  • 1998 Alice in Wonderland (chor. Hannele Suomalainen, Tampere and Ylöjärvi) 
  • 2000 Cinderella – Act I (chor. Hannele Suomalainen, Tampere and Ylöjärvi) 
  • 2002 James Bond at the Casino (chor. Nina Heino) 
  • 2004 The Little Mermaid (chor. Hannele Suomalainen) 
  • 2005 Cinderella (traditional chor. adapted and rehearsed by Hannele Suomalainen) 
  • 2006 The Nutcracker (traditional chor., adapted and rehearsed by Hannele Suomalainen) 
  • 2008 Divertissements from Swan Lake (chor. M. Petipa, adapted & rehearsed by Hannele Suomalainen) 
  • 2011 Sleeping Beauty at Tampere Theatre (traditional chor. rehearsed by Hannele Suomalainen) 
  • 2012 Cinderella at Tampere Theatre (traditional chor. rehearsed by Hannele Suomalainen) 
  • 2013 Swan Lake (traditional chor. rehearsed by Hannele Suomalainen) 
  • 2018 The Snow Queen (chor. and rehearsal: Hannele Suomalainen) 
  • 2020 The Little Mermaid (chor. and rehearsal: Hannele Suomalainen) 
  • 2023 Sleeping Beauty (traditional chor., rehearsed by Hannele Suomalainen)