Jussi Väänänen

Jussi Väänänen is a ten-time Finnish champion in Latin dance. After his competitive career ended, Väänänen became interested in performing arts and began creating his own works based on couple dance with his partner Katja Koukkula. The couple has also worked as choreographers at, among others, the Oulu, Turku and Lahti City Theatres, the Finnish National Opera and Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth. At the same time, Väänänen has run his own business with his partner, done TV work and projects in the private sector.

Since 2012, Jussi Väänänen has worked as a contemporary dancer with several well-known Finnish choreographers, such as Milla Virtanen, Tuomo Railo and Alpo Aaltokoski. From Alpo Aaltokoski Company, Väänänen is known for, among others, the works Together, Take My Hand, Kadotettu, Closed Doors, Brothers, Whirls and Okon Fuoko – See Me.

Jussi Väänänen started as Nomadi’s Executive Director in a part-time position in November 2025.