vanhojen tanssit

that means "old dances". the most anticipated event of this winter.

all over Finland, the "day of the olds" is the day that the second-years push out the matriculating seniors and become the top of the school. it begins with a week of elaborate skits mocking the graduating class, crazy costumes and the sky raining candy. thursday of that week is probably the best day of the year for hair salons all over finland. and then that night half the town watches proudly (or shrieks "prinsessoja!!!" over and over...) as the second-years present their dances.

we practiced the humppa and the waltz and the tango for two and a half months, and for this coming-of-age thing our whole lives. but when the band wheezed to life, i realized that we were entirely unprepared for how huge ball-gown skirts are. there was hardly space to move, and i had horrible visions of catching my heel in someone's ruffle and starting a jewel-tone domino effect down the long line of pairs. my partner kept licking his lips nervously and trying to watch our feet.

this is only a third of the crowd.

the band.

my lovely friends.

and our partners.

beautiful.

father-daughter dance after the main presentation. Vallu has some moves :)

everyone survived, though, even the over-enthusiastic twirlers. the only lasting damage is that i think i'll be singing this song for the rest of my days.