The Aura Jamboree is delighted to welcome the Kivajat and Kuparieliet Dancers, one of North America’s premier Finnish-American youth folk dance programs, to our 2026 celebration.

The Kivajat Finnish-American Folk Dance Group is a youth outreach program of the Finnish American Heritage Center and is supported through Finlandia Foundation National. Since 2004, the group has preserved, interpreted, and performed traditional Finnish folk dances and music while showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Finnish-Americans.

What began as a dream to create a children’s dance group representing Michigan’s Copper Country at FinnGrandFest 2005 has grown into a thriving program involving more than 200 children over the years. Today, nearly 50 young dancers participate in three age-based groups:

• Pikku Kivajat (Grades K–2)
• Kivajat (Grades 3–6/7)
• Loistavat (Grades 6/7–12)

The dancers come from communities throughout the Copper Country. Through dance, music, costume-making, and performance, they learn about Finnish traditions while building confidence, teamwork, and cultural understanding.

As ambassadors of Finnish heritage, the Kivajat have performed throughout Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ontario, and Finland. Their annual appearances include cultural celebrations such as Heikinpäivä, Juhannus, Pasty Fest, FinnFest, and numerous community events. During the summer months, they also welcome international visitors arriving on cruise ships at the Houghton Waterfront.

One of the most distinctive features of the program is its traditional Finnish folk costumes. Students help create and wear authentic Finnish peasant clothing during performances, adding visual beauty and historical authenticity to every presentation.

Kay Seppala has guided the program for many years and credits the community’s support for its continued success. Through fundraising, travel opportunities, and cultural exchanges, Kivajat dancers have visited Finland multiple times, strengthening their connection to the traditions they proudly share with audiences.

Although director and instructor Kay Seppala is unable to attend the Jamboree, we’re delighted to welcome Renata Summerville, president of the Kivajat and Kuparieliet Dancers, who will be there to celebrate this special performance

Performance Information

Saturday, July 18, 2026
Aura Pavilion

• 12:00 Noon Performance
• 1:00 PM Performance

Approximately 18–25 dancers from the Kivajat and Kuparieliet groups will perform during the Aura Jamboree.

Visitors can expect energetic traditional dances, beautiful costumes, lively music, and a joyful celebration of Finnish culture. Audience participation may even be part of the experience, reflecting the group’s philosophy that folk dancing is truly “the dance of the people.”

Don’t miss this special opportunity to experience authentic Finnish-American folk traditions performed by one of the most respected youth cultural groups in North America.

Here is a YouTube video of the dancers.