4 years behind and still dancing

Memory from 4 years ago when I started Still Dancing. Already 4 years behind and and soon we’ll start fifth year. I started 2020 with a brand new Still Dancing Studio in Salmisaaren liikuntakeskuks. Those days were busy! I was preparing myself in World salsa Championship competitions in Miami that was held in December 2020. After the competitions I started to teach in my own dance school on 15th of January 2020. We were open for 2 moths with an amazing drive. We were able to have one great Opening party. We danced fullest until everything stopped because of Covid. Liikuntakeskus was empty and quiet.

But those times seems to be over now and we are very lucky that we survived and are able move on. Now we are having such a great dance scene at Still Dancing. I am thrilled about the students whom have been training with me for long time and others that has trained shorter period with me but it feels like forever. Together we have built a healthy atmosphere in Still Dancing and I’m so happy that I’ve met so many lovely persons at Still Dancing.

Running my own dance school is a hard work at times. It requires so many skills. Pedagogical skills is everything and strong background in dancing. But it is not enough. You must be an organizer, you are an artist, an entrepreneur, a promoter, a marketing person, cleaner, fixer, enthusiast… And yes I’m doing pretty much everything by myself with big support and help. I have some amazing people helping me on my bath though. You have seen the artistic Schedules that are hanging on the still dancing’s doors and walls, Credit for the designer Erika Appelström to my ex student. Hannu Heiskanen the King of Kamppi is printing the Schedules and ads and delivering them directly to Studio and fixing the dancers shoes. It is muy importante. Thanks to Turo Väätäinen for all kind of help during many years before Still Dancing and during the Still Dancing. I’m so lucky to have you in my life. Jasmin Åbacka is helping with many things as well and standing next to me with everything. We are sharing same values and friendship that keeps me on the right bath.

For me it is important to create healthy community focusing on dancing and teaching and growing the dance community in Finland together with those who share the same sensible values. Tiina and Sepi are the most committed students in Still Dancing. This couple has danced trough every season since I started and support me in many ways. Big thanks also to my friend Leena from Oulu who knows me and my bath from the childhood and who knows the right words that keep me going when I’m struggling or having bad days. The main superpower from her is understanding all the things that impact our lives and situations and how we can turn out the things upside down suddenly with our attitude. Mindset is everything. Big thanks to our true Mambo Queens Katka and Darina for assisting the classes. Last but not least is Nikibiki who has stood by me many years even that I have been a bit stressed at times. We met at my dance class around 6 years ago and since then we have been meeting every week and still dancing. 😎 Happy to have him. I couldn’t survive without these people. Also good sense of timing is important, not just six seven (as we count salsa steps) but to sense how the world stands and when it is the right time to do the things or when it is better to stay still. After all what can I say. I just love this all and all the joy and challenges that comes with it.

Now when the house, my home is ready Im putting all the energy into the Still Dancing, in order to make even a better dance season of Spring 2024. Warm welcome to join us in the Spring 2024 season that is our fifth year with amazing crew, students and vibes. ♥︎

Registration is open at stilldancing.fi with an Earliest-Bird discount until 12.11! See you at the SD Studio! ⭐️