"I WANT TO CREATE PERFORMANCEs TOGETHER WITH PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS, STREET CULTURE PROFESSIONALS AND YOUNG PEOPLE, IN WHICH THE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE SEEN AS ACTIVE OPERATORS BELONGING TO THE SOCIETY, WHO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO INFLUENCE THE MATTERS THAT CONCERNs THEM. COULD THIS GIVE THE YOUTH AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE THEIR OWN VOICE AND SOCIAL INFLUENCE THROUGH ART?”

Arja Tiili (1972) has been shaping the Finnish dance world tirelessly since 2001. Not only her remarkable technique, charismatic performers or intriguing soundscapes make her unique, she has a knack for revealing the most intimate, secret traits of the human spirit.

Her work often depicts our dark side: madness, violence, loneliness, greediness… but always with a sense of humor that is recognizable. It is easy to relate to her works, albeit they sometimes create an uneasy atmosphere. 

Arja has been concept designing Break the Fight® BTF- Breakdance Against School Bullying- culture service concept since 2010 onwards.

Studies

Further vocational qualification for leadership and business management from WinNova Oy in collaboration with Finnish Theater’s Association and Balentor Oy 2022-2023.

Further vocational qualification for entrepreneurship, Adulta Oy, Tiimiakatemia and Creada 2008-2009.

Master of dance art, choreography studies at Theater Academy of Finland 1999-2011.

Ballet dancer, Royal Swedish Ballet School in Stockholm 1990-1991.

”I am a dance artist. My worldview and curiosity towards matters, which often are unpleasant or otherwise hard to handle, are shown in the content of my performances. I love black humor which I constantly use even in my dance works.” 

Dance performances

44 dance performances made in following places: Korjaamo, Teater Viirus, Finnish Opera house, Helsinki City Theater Dance Group, Kiasma Theater / National Museum of Contemporary Art -URB- festival, Stoa, Malmitalo and Kanneltalo Culture Centers, Cultural Arena Gloria, Dance Theater Minimi, Kuopio City Theater, Sun Ballet in Turku, Dance Theater Hurjaruuth, Zodiak-Center for New Dance, Helsinki Festival, Full Moon Dance Festival, Kuopio Dance Festival, Danscentrum in Stockholm, Danshögskolan in Stockholm, Dansstationen in Malmö, Dance festival Manifesti in Turku, Tanssin virtaa- festival in Tampere, Tanssia tyrkyllä-festival in Oulu etc.

Personal grants and awards

5-years artist grant from Finnish state 2014-18, Finnish Culture Foundation, 3-years grant 2010-12, Arts Council of Finland, 1-year grant 2009, Arts Council of Finland. 6 months grant 2007, Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation, working grant autumn 2007, Finnish Culture Foundation, 3-year grant 2004-06, Arts Council of Finland, 6 months grant 2003.

2. prize in International Choreography Competition in Helsinki, Philip Morris Award 2001.

Prizes and nominations in different ballet competitions between 1987-1991; Arktiset askeleet- dance event, EBU:s dance contest for dancers in TV YLE 1 etc.

Own written works

Biografy of own artistic work in encyclopedia Who is who in Finland printed in years 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2015.

Writings about own artistic work in a book Dancemakers – 35 points of views to a work of a choreographer printed 2005.

Several articles and reviews to a finnish dance magazine Tanssi and web dance magazine http://www.liikekieli.com.

Positions of trust

CEO, owner and artistic director of Break the Fight Oy/Ltd. Break the Fight® BTF- Hip hop Culture Against School Violence - Art and Culture Service 2020 onwards. Executive and artistic director of Arja Tiili Dance Company between 2007-2024.

Founder and a member of Eager Minds Association (Intomieliset ry.) 2007-2024. Co-ordinator of the choreographers section in The Union of Finnish Dance Artists 2009-2014. Founder of Indie-Art Factory Festival 2002-2005.

Deputy member of board in Arkadia club 2011-2013 and 2013-15. Arkadia club creates conditions for the members of parliament and the representatives of cultural life of interaction between our country and to promote cultural conditions, cultural political debate and wide-ranging cultural knowledge of its members. 

Member and secretary in dance section of Swedish Union for Theaters, Artists and Media in Sweden. (1996-99).