JUMPPATYTÖT – a Love Letter to Aesthetic Group Gymnastics

The exhibition dives into the history and culture of Finnish Aesthetic group gymnastics culture, highlights powerful moments of the present, and explores dreams for the future. JUMPPATYTÖT – a Love Letter to Aesthetic Group Gymnastics shares stories of competitive gymnasts, coaches, and enthusiasts alike – both the small and the big moments that make this sport so deeply loved in Finland. On display is a wide range of group gymnastics artifacts, videos, photographs, stories, and diary entries, as well as the competition costume of five-time world champion Paula Thesleff.

In theater, Jumppatytöt premiered on April 13, 2024, in the main hall of Minervaskolan in Helsinki. The theater production is based on the personal experiences of the members of the creative team – current actresses and former gymnasts Katariina Havukainen, Inkeri Hyvönen, and Ella Lahdenmäki – with aesthetic group gymnastics. The exhibition also draws on research material by PhD Sinikka Selin related to the experiences of group gymnasts.

This new exhibition offers a unique opportunity to peek behind the scenes of the sport, to understand the power of movement, and to appreciate the importance of community within Finnish sporting culture.