The Helsinki Dance Company is the only Finnish dance company that functions as a part of a professional institutional theatre. With 10 permanent dancers, it is also the largest Finnish contemporary dance group. It has been directed by the British choreographer-director-dancer-actor Nigel Charnock since the beginning of 2003. In the 30 years it has existed, the Company has made performances for all of the Helsinki City Theatre's stages, and it has toured in Finland and abroad. The dancers have also participated as dancers, singers, actors and choreographers in the Theatre's musicals and dramatic plays. They have distinguished themselves as versatile stage performers, and their creative energy has been utilised by many leading Finnish and international choreographers.