30+ years of circus artistry.
A lifetime dedicated to the art of movement.
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Olia Vahtola was born in the Soviet Union in 1983 and moved to Finland in 1993. Almost immediately, she discovered circus arts — and never looked back. Between 1993 and 1998, she performed on the streets and in shopping centres across Helsinki, captivating audiences with acrobatics, handstands, hula hoops, juggling, and even trained cats.
What started as a passion quickly became a calling. As the years passed, Olia pursued her craft with increasing seriousness, eventually leaving Finland to train at some of Europe's most respected circus schools.
Olia's formal training spans three countries and three of Europe's leading circus arts institutions:
École Nationale du Cirque — Châtellerault, France (2003–2004)
Cirkuspiloterna — Stockholm, Sweden (2004–2005)
Kiev National School of Circus and Variety Arts — Kyiv, Ukraine (2006)
Her specializations include handstands, floor acrobatics, and partner acrobatics — the same disciplines she teaches at Perhosvoltti today.
Before founding Perhosvoltti, Olia built a professional performance career that took her across Scandinavia and onto some of Finland's most prestigious stages. Selected highlights:
Finnish National Opera — Performed trapeze in Il Trovatore (Helsinki, 2002)
Tanssiteatteri Hurjaruuth — Featured in Winter Circus productions Lumous (1999–2000) and Poro (2007–2008), performing acrobatics and partner acrobatics
Television — Appeared on Talent Suomi, Suomen Hauskin Tavis, and Ennätystehdas; performed at the MTV3 50th Anniversary Gala (Helsinki Messukeskus, 2006)
International — Partner acrobatics performances with Circus Khaoomi in Norway (2006–2007); private events across Sweden, Norway, and Finland
Stunt Work — Professional stunt performer in the Scandinavian crime series Advokaten (2019)
Commercial — Familon TV commercial (1999); Grand Casino Helsinki (2006)
When Olia's first son was born in 2009, her perspective shifted. A life touring the world as a circus performer no longer fit — but walking away from circus arts entirely was never an option.
A friend suggested she start her own classes. The idea clicked instantly. Olia launched with just two groups — one for toddlers, one for adults — in the upper level of Tikkurila Swimming Hall in Vantaa. That was January 2013. Within a year, she was teaching every day of the week across multiple school locations. By December 2015, Perhosvoltti had incorporated and moved into its own dedicated studio in Helsinki's Suutarila neighbourhood. Today, approximately 400 students train at Perhosvoltti every year.
Olia's teaching draws on over 25 years of instructional experience and the same discipline she developed performing on professional stages. Her approach rests on four principles:
Safety is non-negotiable. Every skill is taught through progressive steps. Students build a solid foundation before advancing — no shortcuts, no pressure. Olia uses a structured level card system so students (and parents) can see exactly where they are and what comes next.
Every student is an individual. Olia adapts her instruction to each student's pace, body, and temperament. Whether a child needs more encouragement or a different progression path, she adjusts — because no two students learn the same way.
Confidence grows alongside technique. Circus acrobatics isn't just about what the body can do. Olia's classes build perseverance, courage, and self-belief. Students learn to trust themselves, try new things, and recover from setbacks.
Patient, encouraging, never rushed. Olia's style is warm and supportive. She creates an environment where students feel safe to try, fail, and try again — which is exactly how real progress happens.
Olia takes each child into account as an individual and moves the teaching forward accordingly. A huge thank you for everything so far!
Whether you're looking for a transformative activity for your child or want to pursue your own acrobatics goals, every journey at Perhosvoltti begins with Olia's expertise.