Stories in the Air portrays the full spectrum of human life through pole dance and aerial acrobatics.

Tankotaivas’ Stories in the Air takes audiences on a journey through the different stages and emotions of human life. Combining pole dance, aerial acrobatics and aerial yoga, the performance weaves together stories of humanity, connection and life’s

Organized by Tankotaivas, Stories in the Air takes audiences on a journey through the different stages and emotions of human life. Combining pole dance, aerial acrobatics, and aerial yoga, the performance is built around personal stories that offer a moving and multifaceted reflection on joy, sorrow, love, challenges, and hope. At the heart of the production lies the belief that every story matters. Each performer has created their piece based on personal experiences, thoughts, and observations about life. Sensitivity and Strength Side by Side Sara Lepistö’s pole dance performance, Last Dance: “Gently Gather the Roses of Life”, is inspired by a poem and explores the coexistence of sensitivity and strength. Beneath beauty, the audience discovers pain and vulnerability. “Pain can hide beneath beauty, but it is these contradictions that make life and movement meaningful,” Lepistö explains. Dance has been part of Lepistö’s life since childhood. She discovered pole dance about sixteen years ago and was drawn to its versatility, dynamism, and expressive possibilities. The sense of community has also become an essential part of her journey. The pole dance community in Oulu, she says, is second to none—everyone is welcomed exactly as they are. Open-mindedness, acceptance, and mutual encouragement are at the core of the sport, creating a uniquely safe and empowering environment. Interpreting Emotions Through Movement Rauha Wittenberg’s pole dance piece focuses on emotional expression and the power of body language. The performance is rooted in music that evokes a wide range of strong emotions. “I always thought I wasn’t a creative person. Through pole dance, however, I discovered my creativity and a way to express emotions through movement,” Wittenberg says. The choreography grew naturally from a song she had chosen long before the production began. The emotions inspired by the music shaped the performance and formed its emotional core. The piece also provided an opportunity to challenge herself technically. “I wanted to focus on conveying emotions, but I also included a few more demanding movements to push myself further.” Navigating Life’s Ups and Downs Together Mirka Jutila’s aerial yoga performance explores companionship through life’s changing circumstances. The piece portrays how people support one another through both joyful and difficult times. “Sometimes life requires us to stand on our heads and fight through everyday challenges. By supporting one another, connection and harmony can endure until the very end,” Jutila explains. Jutila has worked as an aerial yoga instructor for nearly ten years. Creating a piece for this production offered her the opportunity to tell a story through the unique language of aerial yoga. The Darker Side of Life as Part of the Whole Miia Mahlakaarto’s aerial acrobatics performance brings attention to life’s more difficult moments. The piece serves as a reminder that life is not always easy, no matter how determined we are to move forward. “Sometimes we have to hit rock bottom to realize that we are not alone,” Mahlakaarto says. Passionate about climbing, movement, and acrobatics since childhood, Mahlakaarto found her true discipline in aerial arts, where the complexity and challenge of the sport continually inspire personal growth. Memories, Growth, and New Beginnings Dance has been an important part of Maiju Salmi’s life for more than three decades. After years in ballet, group gymnastics, and show dance, she discovered pole dance in 2017 while looking for a new challenge alongside motherhood. “This spring it has been incredible to be part of this production and to create our shared performance with such a wonderful group of people,” Salmi says. Stories in the Air brings together a variety of life stories and experiences, reminding audiences that every human journey is unique—and worth telling. Event Information Stories in the Air 14 June 2026 at 3:00 PM Cultural Centre Valve Tickets available through Ticketmaster. The production is created by Saija Pelkonen and Miia Haanpää of Tankotaivas. Tankotaivas is a versatile dance and fitness center located at the Hiukkavaara Cultural Barracks in Oulu, offering instruction in pole dance, aerial arts, and a variety of other movement disciplines.