Kai Lehikoinen appointed professor of dance pedagogy at the Theatre Academy
Lehikoinen will take up the permanent position on 1 August 2026.
University researcher Kai Lehikoinen (PhD) has been appointed professor of dance pedagogy at Uniarts Helsinki’s Theatre Academy.
Lehikoinen has strong merits in research, teaching as well as in management. Most recently, he has worked as a university researcher at the Uniarts Helsinki Research Institute. His various previous positions at Uniarts Helsinki include director and professor at the Cerada Research Centre, vice director for the ArtsEqual research initiative and university lecturer at the Theatre Academy. Lehikoinen has had a long career as a pedagogue, researcher, dance artist and choreographer.
The recruitment committee found Lehikoinen suited for the job thanks to his development-oriented approach and visionary thinking, extensive networks and a proven track record in societal impact and in securing research funding.
Lehikoinen’s pedagogical mindset and management strategy are a good match for the needs of the Theatre Academy and the Degree Programme in Dance Pedagogy, as summarised in the grounds for the recruitment proposal.
“I’m very happy and grateful for this professorship. I look forward to giving my personal contribution to dance pedagogy as a research-based and socially impactful field and to promoting cooperation at the Theatre Academy between the Master’s Programme in Dance Pedagogy, research activities and society. And it’s also really nice to get to return to the Theatre Academy,” Lehikoinen said.
Lehikoinen will take up the professor’s duties on 1 August 2026. The employment is valid until further notice.
The appointment decision was made by the rector of Uniarts Helsinki based on the proposal of the dean of the Theatre Academy. In the recruitment, the academy followed the university’s standard recruitment process for academic staff.
The academy received a total of 11 applications for the professorship in dance pedagogy from Finland and abroad by the application deadline. Five applicants were invited to the interview stage.