The Carina Ari Medal is awarded to Helena Franzén for her commendable contribution to Swedish dance.
Helena Franzén is one of our finest choreographers and dancers in the lyrical style. After 35 years, she is still a practising dancer. She addresses existential themes relating to memory, reflection and nature, in works crafted with great integrity and attention to musicality and quality of movement. Two perfect examples are the retrospective “Here-Us-Now”, due to go on tour this autumn, and her new duet, “Compass”. She strives to involve several generations of dancers in her projects, thereby contributing to continuity in Swedish dance as an educator.
Over the past ten years, Helena Franzén has collaborated with Håkan Jelk in creating experimental dance films that were screened at international festivals. This has given a wider audience opportunities to see contemporary dance and discover dance film as an art form.
Anna Ångström, on behalf of the Medal Committee, the Carina Ari Memorial Fund
The Medal Committee of the Carina Ari Memorial Fund:
Anna Ångström, dance critic and arts editor, Svenska Dagbladet
Ana Laguna, professor and Royal Court dancer
Rennie Mirro, actor
The announcement and award ceremony took place in the Gold Foyer of the Royal Opera on Thursday 21 May, 2026.