Company

Dancer-choreographer Tero Saarinen founded the company in 1996 as a platform for his artistic vision. Since then, Tero Saarinen Company has performed on leading stages in over 40 countries across all continents. Alongside Saarinen’s own creations, TSC's repertoire also includes works by invited guest choreographers. In Helsinki, TSC is one of the program partners of Dance House Helsinki, presenting its own seasons and curating guest performances by international companies.

Tero Saarinen Company is renowned for its visually striking works that fuse expressive movement, live music, and bold stagecraft into immersive total artworks. TSC's distinctive movement language is rooted in Tero Technique – developed by Saarinen – which blends influences from Western and Asian dance traditions and from classical and contemporary influences. The technique fosters a heightened presence, emphasizing each performer’s individuality. In addition to its touring activities, TSC also teaches Tero Technique internationally and supports emerging dance artists by offering studio and sound residencies at TSC Studio in Helsinki’s Cable Factory.

Tero Saarinen Company is grounded in fundamental humanistic values: equality, equity, and education. Everyday practices are guided by collaboration, artistic integrity, boldness – and the
joy that arises from shared work and a sense of community.

After a distinguished international career as a solo dancer, Tero Saarinen founded his own group in 1996, together with fellow Finnish National Ballet dancer Henrikki Heikkilä, former Batsheva Dance Company member Yuval Pick, and lighting designer Mikki Kunttu. The group’s first piece, Westward Ho!, which explores themes of selfishness, friendship, and betrayal, premiered at Dansens Hus in Stockholm on February 18, 1996. Following the premiere in 1997, it was selected for the first-ever Aerowaves showcase in London, marking Saarinen’s international breakthrough as a choreographer.

In 2001, the company hired its first full-time employee when Iiris Autio, now the TSC's Managing Director, joined as producer. Today, Tero Saarinen Company employs 17 people full time and collaborates annually with a wide range of freelance professionals from various fields. TSC has created major large-scale productions in collaboration with world-renowned classical and contemporary music ensembles, including the LA Philharmonic and Ensemble Intercontemporain.