Outi Elena Valanto

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is a Finnish choreographer, dancer, cultural professional and art researcher (University of Lapland) based in Germany. Her doctoral research investigates how dance-based, embodied methodologies can enhance host institutions’ and individuals' capacity to support artists at risk by fostering empathy, emotional attunement, and critical awareness of host–guest power dynamics. Grounded in dance phenomenological perspectives and demonstrated through three case studies, it presents movement as a method for cultivating ethically responsive, relationally sensitive hosting practices.

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Valanto’s artistic practice combines artistic and scientific methods, addressing pressing societal issues.  Her focus lies on creating tangible and distinct shared experiences, and therefore she stages her work diversely in public spaces, galleries, theatres, and in intimate settings to foster direct audience relations. Through embodied practices, she cultivates collectiveness and empathy by involving diverse participants, from professionals to inclusive groups.

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Valanto's journey—navigating the limitations of a congenital physical condition as a dancer—has deepened her commitment to strengthening marginalized voices. Whether it is the performances Valanto creates or produces cultural projects, all of these enhance her interest of how art can challenge societal structures and create transformative, transparent and safe spaces. Her projects, widely presented across Europe, include choreographies, cultural productions, residency management for artists in crisis, and participatory public interventions, all aimed at nurturing dialogue, resilience, and creative expression for underrepresented voices.

“The foundation of all is always the body, the first entity humans have, with it and through it, we perceive the world. “