Sanja Kosonen
Tightrope Dancer, Circus Director
DEGREES
2005
Diplome des Métiers des Arts du Cirque
University of Applied Sciences degree in Circus Arts
Centre National des Arts du Cirque (C.N.A.C.)
Châlons-en-Champagne, France
2005
University of Applied Sciences degree in Circus Directing
University of Applied Sciences degree of Theatre and Dance Arts
Performing Arts Program / Circus Arts
Turku Academy of Arts (Turun Taideakatemia)
Thesis on learning and teaching of tightrope dancing
2000
High School Graduate
Puolalanmäki High School, Turku
MAIN PROJECTS
2022
Tightrope Research Laboratories (Nuorallatanssin tutkimuslaboratoriot) (2022 – )
Cirque Electrique: Cabaret Ravage 999 (2022-2023)
Tightrope Dancer, Hair Hanging Artist
Cry Me A River (2022 – )
2018
Attraction Capillaire
Lähde
CirkOpera
Suomen kansallisooppera ja -baletti
Tightrope Dancer, Hair Hanging Artist
2016
“Aino” – Ounasjoen ylitys
Hiljaisuus Festivaalit, Kaukonen
Tightrope Dancer
“Suomi 100” – Uudenvuoden juhla
Tightrope Dancer
“CircOpera”
Suomen kansallisooppera ja -baletti
Tightrope Dancer, Hair Hanging Artist
2013
“Capilotractées”
Over 100 performances in 12 countries
Hair Hanging Artist
“Soritat”
Tightrope Dancer
2012
“Mad in Finland”
Over 50 performances in France, Finland and Belgium
Tightrope Dancer
“Variété”
Variete Tigerpalast, Frankfurt
Tightrope Dancer
2011
“Quantum Gravity”
Saint Riquier Classical Music Festival
Tightrope Dancer
2010-2013
Les Colporteurs Modern Circus Group
Tightrope Dancer
2009-2013
“Sur la Route”
Tightrope dancer, choreographer
2007-2013
“Les Etoiles”
Tightrope Dancer
2006
“Le Fil sous la Neige”
Tightrope Dancer
OTHER PROJECTS
2005-2007
“Louisiana Circus”
UMO Jazz House, Helsinki
Tightrope dancer in the co-production of Circo Aero and UMO Jazz Orchestra.
Directed by Maksim Komaro.
2005-2007 “Fil Rouge”
Kiertue: Chenecey Buillon, Ranska; Capao, Brasilia; Evora, Portugali
As a tightrope dancer in a traveling circus show.
Direction and other production in collaboration with juggler Julien Clement.
2005 “Alice”
Châlons-en-Champagne, France
Tightrope dance solo.
Choreography: Tomeo Verges.
2005 “La Piste aux Délires”
Tour in France
As a tightrope dancer in the touring circus show of the group Les Treteaux du Coeur Volants.
2004 “Mignon Palace”
France
Tightrope dancer.
Director: Gilles DefaguesLille.
2003 “Down by the Syndrooma”
Turku
Circus artist and director in the supervision of the Turku Academy of Arts.
2002 “Sirkusmatka jouluun”
Turun Taideakatemia / Åbo Svenska Teater, Turku
Tightrope dancer and acrobat in a Christmas circus for the whole family.
Director: Minna Karesluoto
2002 “Ystäväni Pieni”
Tour in Turku
A tour performance in Turku combining the theater and circus of the Turku Academy of Arts.
Director: Nina Erjomaa
2001 “Sirkushillo”
Turku Academy of Arts, Turku
Acrobat and handstands in a traditional circus performance.
Director: Anatoly Grigoriev
2000 “Ad Absurdum”
Turun Sirkus, Turku
A circus show of two women, direction and execution together with Sata Hakamäki.
TEACHING
Visiting teacher of tightrope dancing in the following circus schools that prepare for the profession:
- Turku Arts Academy, Turun Taideakatemian sirkuslinja, Turku
- Salpauksen Sirkusartistikoulutus (SaSak)(old name: Lahden Käsi- ja Taideteollisuusoppilaitoksen sirkuslinja), Lahti
- l’Ecole d’Académie Fratellini, Pariisi
- Ecole Superieure des Arts du Cirque, Montréal
- Cirko Vertigo, Torino
Numerous tightrope dance workshops in schools, circus clubs, organizations and events
Turku Sirkus ry circus director and trampoline acrobatics teacher 1999-2003
REWARDS
2015
State Art Award (Circus Art)
For the Mad in Finland collective
2005
Special congratulations of the jury; félicitations de jury
Centre National des Arts du Cirque
For the Youth Latin dance solo in the Présentation Technique show to a particularly meritorious graduating student.
2003
The Silver Circus Tent Reward in the General series
The Circus Festival of Finland’s Youth Circus Association
“ÖLYÄ!”, a number combining rope dancing and diabolo juggling. planning and implementation together with Sampo Kurppa.
2002
Turun Tähti 2002 Reward
Turun Tähti Competition
First prize in a variety competition with a number combining juggling, dance, acrobatics and fire.