What do you think of when someone mentions Finland? Well, in my capacity as an isolated, reasonably culturally-bereft American, all I can think of it "cold," "north," "Scandinavia," and "reindeer." This is really no good, I say, so I am broadening my knowledge of Finland right this minute. Did you know, for instance, that Finnish folk love to go dancing? They do! Let me share a few excerpts from "The Finnish Dance Server," and an article called "Social Dancing In Finland."
In Finland going out for social dancing is a very popular way to spend time, meet people, enjoy music and take exercise. The young and the old alike go dancing. Many people have met their future spouse at a dance, but it is very common to go dancing just for the fun of it.
When entering the building you can check your coat and walking shoes. Any valuables that you can not easily carry with you (e.g. wallets and cell phones) should be left with your coat so that they do not interfere with your dancing.
You do not have to speak Finnish to go to a dance in Finland. Not much talking is done during dancing anyway. If you are a woman, you can simply smile when you are asked to dance and if you are a man, you can bow or nod and hold out your hand when you ask a lady for a dance. After a dance it is customary to say "kiitos" (thank you) but that is about the only Finnish word you need to know.
If you want to dance with the local people, you may ponder, whether you will be asked to dance if you look like a foreigner (that is, not like a European). Of course, there is no guarantee. Not even Finns always get to dance in a place where they have not been before, where they are not known. But if you are a good dancer, you always get to dance. So first you have to show your skills. This is no problem for men, who do most of the asking. For a woman it is more difficult, if she goes without an escort. It would be advisable for her to have a male friend with her, who can "introduce" her by dancing the first dances with her. If no such friend is available, it is possible for a woman to ask herself. She can look at the dancers, note a man who dances well, and then go and ask him even though it is men's turn to ask. The man has the right to refuse, but it is more likely that he will be flattered and gladly takes her to the dance floor. And every evening there is the women's hour during which it is the women's right to ask men.
The dress code in Finnish dancing places is quite free and varies a lot. . However, the clothes absolutely have to be neat and clean. A shirt should never be worn for two nights in a row without washing it in between.
Women may (and do) wear both skirts and trousers, but the truth is that most men find a skirt more charming, especially if it is wide.
Traditionally, the end of the women's row which is farther from the door is considered most special or worthy. In olden times the farthest end of the row was the so called cream bench, on which the most wealthy and the most educated women took their place. This tradition has been preserved in many dancing places, but nowadays there are no external requirements for taking your place on this special bench or "diva corner" as it is sometimes called. Usually the woman's own idea about her dancing skills is the reason why she chooses or does not choose this place.
Introducing yourself is not necessary; in fact it is not even usual. It is possible for a man and a woman to dance together once or twice every Saturday for many years without knowing each others' names.
It is considered impolite to refuse when somebody asks you for a dance, but not everybody is polite. A valid reason to refuse is, if the person asking you is drunk or unclean or behaves inappropriately.
If women want to dance with each other, it is allowed. However it is not polite for women to dance with each other during the women's hour unless all the men have been asked.
Men do not dance with each other.Let us now enjoy some fine examples of Finnish dancing! I was familiar with this clip, as I pilfered it several years ago to use in a video for ME. How do you say "Rico Suave" in Finnish? This is truly mesmerizing.
Finnish Disco Dancers
This traditional Finnish folk dance reminds me a lot of the Monty Python "Fish Dance."
Finnish Stick Dance
But this one REALLY looks like it!
Finnish Keyboard Slapping Dance
You have to jump to 2:12 in to see how to dance the "Finnish Jive." He really kicks it into high gear a few seconds from the end.
Finnish Jive Man
In Part Two, we see ACTUAL FINN JIVERS, but the greatest thing is hearing Little Richard's "Tutti Frutti" sung in Finnish, with the nonsense words changed to Finnish nonsense words, I think.
Finnish Jivers
These Finnish men are BREAKING THE LAST RULE!
Finnish Men Dancing With Men
Here we have a German girl learning an Argentinian dance from some Finns. HEY! IS THAT OLD DUDE THE SAME DUDE FROM THE FIRST VIDEO??? HEY!!!!!
Finnish Tango
IT IS! IT IS! WOW! His name is Ake Blomqvist!!!!
Finnish Twist
These Finnish lads enjoy that whole "Harlem Shake" meme.
Finnish Harlem Shake Boys
Leaving the most spectacular for last, here are the sensual Nordic dance moves of...this guy. WOW!
Finnish Guy Dancing
© Copyright 2008- Marianne Spellman