What is "motora"

Motora is a folk dance group from Eastern Finland, city of Joensuu. Motora is specialized in Karelian folk dance. Karelia is a frontier; it is partly is Finland, partly in Russia. The influences of eastern and western cultures can be seen in Motora's dance.

There are traditional and modern choreographies in Motora's repertoire. Motora was founded by Rauni and Sakari Riikonen in 1968.

Motora has an own band, Rälläkkä. Kaakkurit are another music band; It is a group of five players, who also dance in the Kapsakat dance group.

There are over 170 dancers all together in Motora. There are groups for children, youngsters and adults. Dancers are from 3 to 40 years of age. All dancers practise their dances in "Motti" which is Motora's own dance hall in the center of Joensuu.

Motora has performed in Finland's biggest festivals: Kaustinen Folk Music Festival, Pispalan Sottiisi and Folklandia.. Motora has made 20 trips abroad to 15 different countries such as the United States, Hungary, Germany, Russia, Switzerland, Lithuania, Romania, Denmark, Cyprus.