Joy of Karelian Folk Dance
Motora is a youth association and a Finnish folk dance ensemble famous for its lively and exciting performances. The group is based in Joensuu, a city of nearly 75 000 inhabitants in the province of North Karelia, Eastern Finland. The association consists of approximately 200 dancers, musicians and teachers, and there are 15 different groups for different ages, ranging from small children to adults. During season 2017-18 dancers practice at different locations in the Joensuu area.
Motora specializes in Karelian folk dance, whose characteristic elements are rhythm, joy, and powerful emotional expression. Karelia is a frontier region located partly in Finland and partly in Russia, and Motora’s coreographies and overall presentation are influenced by both Eastern and Western cultures. There are both traditional and modern choreographies in Motora’s repertoire, and the ensemble is known for delivering novel and original performances by tweaking conventional dances, while still maintaining tradition.
Motora was founded by Rauni and Sakari Riikonen in 1968. Currently, the youth association is led by Jarmo and Mari Lehikoinen. In 2008, Motora earned the title “Folk dance ensemble of the year”, which is the highest rank award within the Finnish folk dance scene. The youth association also received an award from the state recognizing its importance in promoting, developing and sustaining children’s culture.
Music is an essential part of Karelian dance and Motora’s performances. The frontman for Motora’s music and the band, Rälläkkä, is the renowned accordionist Marko Kotilainen. Rälläkkä makes use of various instruments such as the violin, guitar, bass and cajón.
Motora has performed at the biggest festivals in Finland, and participated in national competitions receiving accolades. The group has traveled abroad numerous times during the last 45 years, including Hungary, the United States, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, Germany, Romania, Italy, the Czech Republic, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Estonia, the Republic of Karelia and so forth.
List of trips abroad
2017 Slovakia, Latvia
2016 Slovenia, Italy, Belgium
2015 Germany, the Czech Republic
2014 France, Belgium, Italy
2013 The Netherlands
2012 Italy
2011 Denmark
2010 Germany, Spain and Hungary
2009 Estonia and Hungary
2008 Norway and Northern Cyprus (Iskele)
2006 Sweden (Torshälla) and Hungary
2005 France and the Republic of Karelia (Petrozavodsk)
2004 Denmark and Hungary
2002 Sweden
2001 Romania and the Republic of Karelia
1994 The Republic of Karelia (Suistamo)
1992 Switzerland (Sion)
1992 Latvia
1991 The Republic of Karelia (Petrozavodsk)
1990 Switzerland (Fribourg)
1989 Lithuania
1988 Hungary
1987 Germany (Stuttgart)
1986 Germanu and the Republic of Karelia
1985 Czechoslovakia
1984 Bulgaria
1983 Norway and Germany
1982 Germany (Hof)
1981 Sweden (Linköping)
1980 Lithuania (Vilnius)
1979 Czechoslovakia
1978 The U.S.
1975 Norway
1974 Germany (Halle, Westfalen)
Contact information for all groups:
Mari Lehikoinen
chairman
mari.lehikoinen(at)motora.fi
Office:
info(at)motora.fi
+358 44 35 77 011
Post address:
Motora
Papinkatu 5
80110 Joensuu
Finland