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“Silmu is a show where its creators have explored the everlasting connection between dance and music, instead of just showing off their talents as musicians and dancers. As a result of this exploration they manage to show us the very essence of this connection.”
Mari Koppinen in the Helsingin Sanomat 28 April 2006

Check out our PR-video at the end of this "About Silmu" -section.

Choreography by Jouni Prittinen
Music composed by Piia Kleemola and Suvi Oskala
Music arranged by Piia Kleemola, Suvi Oskala and Emilia Lajunen
Produced by Tanssi- ja musiikkiryhmä Näkki (Dance and Music Group Näkki)

In Silmu traditional couple dances are combined with simultaneous virtuoso fiddle playing and new innovative choreographies making Silmu one of the most interesting shows on the folk dance and folk music scene today. The show is an extraordinary example of what can be created when music and dance meet in new forms and ways.

Silmu's music is based on Scandinavian folk music tradition and is composed by the musicians of the show. In their music one can also find influences from other music cultures and even today's pop-music. In addition to traditional tunes like polska and schottische, improvisation is also a vitally important part of Silmu's music.

The choreography for Silmu was created by Jouni Prittinen and it is based on traditional folk couple dances. In addition to this he combines modern dance, solos and improvisation in his choreography.

The reason for dancing and playing the fiddle at the same time is not just to make something more difficult and exotic. Folk music has always been dance music, but nowadays the musicians cannot necessarily dance to the music they play. In Silmu the musicians are a part of the dance. Through simultaneous playing and dancing they can feel and experience the groove of their music instantly.

Silmu was first performed on 9 December 2004. Since its première it has been performed at various venues all around Finland.