Joy of Karelian Folk Dance

Motora is a youth association and a Finnish folk dance ensemble famous for its lively and exciting performances. Based in Joensuu – a city of nearly 75 000 inhabitants in the province of North Karelia, Eastern Finland – the association consists of multiple dance groups ranging from small children to adults. There is a total of approximately 150 active dancers, musicians and teachers participating in various kinds of dance related activities on a daily or weekly basis.

Motora specializes in Karelian folk dance, characterized by elements such as 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 the repertoire, and the ensemble is known for delivering fresh and original performances by tweaking and modifying conventional dances, all the while maintaining tradition.

Motora was founded by Rauni and Sakari Riikonen in 1968. Currently, the youth association is led by chairperson Mari Lehikoinen, the main teachers  being Mitja Pilke, Eveliina Pilke and Eevi Miettinen. 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 performs at the biggest festivals in Finland and participates in national competitions, often receiving accolades and top level awards. Different groups also travel abroad yearly to participate in international festivals and folk dance events.

List of trips abroad

2023 Germany

2019 Belgium, Hungary, Estonia

2018 Croatia

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 Germany 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
chairperson
mari.lehikoinen(at)motora.fi

Office:
info(at)motora.fi
+358 44 35 77 011

Post address:
Motora
Papinkatu 5
80110 Joensuu
Finland