Susanna
Leinonen

Benois de la Danse nominee

Choreographer-dancer Susanna Leinonen is one of the most internationally acclaimed Finnish choreographers. Her international status as a choreographer has been established by the high quality of her works and her artistic rigour. Susanna Leinonen has danced in the Estonian National Ballet and performed as a dancer in several works by leading choreographers.

She graduated as Master of Arts in Dance from the Theatre Academy in 2000. In the same year, her frst work No One, Just Your Friend was completed for an international choreography competition. The work stirred a lot of interest in Finland, as well as internationally. Since then, Susanna Leinonen has created new works annually, and they have received critical acclaim and spawned invitations to international festivals. Many major dance companies, such as the Finnish National Ballet, the Royal Swedish Ballet and Skånes Dansteater have commissioned works from Susanna Leinonen.

In 2004, Susanna Leinonen was awarded the prestigious Finland Prize by the Ministry of Education, and the Dance Act of the Year — award by the Kuopio Dance Festival. Susanna Leinonen Company has performed Susanna's works since 2000.

In 2008, Leinonen was awarded the national artists' grant for 5 years, and Susanna Leinonen Company was awarded a national operating grant for the frst time.

Gallery