Emmi Pennanen is a Finnish dancer and choreographer based in Helsinki. In their choreographic practice they look for ways of revealing the embodied dimensions of activities stereotypically referred to as mental, for instance analytical problem solving and production of speech. They are intrigued by the metaphor of dance as voice, and work on transforming internally felt reality into gripping, tender and suggestive dance. Emmi is interested in feminist performance making. They are in an ongoing process of exploring the embodiment of masculinity through their own trans experience.
Emmi teaches a course at the Finnish National Ballet School that views classical ballet, its history and present, through an anti-oppressive lens. As a dancer, Emmi is part of Tero Saarinen Company. They graduated from the Visual Culture, Curating and Contemporary Art MA program at Aalto University.