The magic of dance at Painotalo's traditional Christmas market

The traditional Christmas market at Painotalo also featured its traditional dance competition. Lucky me, I got to be one of the competition's students!

The competition is a bit like the show Dancing with the Stars, but we danced social dances: fusku and tango. We managed to have three training sessions, each a little over an hour, with ponytails flying and laughter ringing. We had an experienced dancer as our teacher, and together we polished our steps. We students were pretty much novices, but somehow, if not full-on dance-floor pros, we all turned into rather nifty dancers!

I realized that dancing is hard exercise, but hugely fun. Maybe I'll dare step onto the floor at, say, Kartano Kievari?

This year, the students along with me were Saana Peurasaari, Mervi Hyppönen, Timo Hyppönen and Jorma Niskanen. The teachers were Aila Vuorenmaa-Palmio, Uisu Leinonen, Pekka Keskinen and Erja Pentinpuro. In charge of the music and our cheerleader was Pekka Palmio.

The competition was held for the 13th time already, and its proceeds went entirely to charity. This year, a little over €400 was raised, and the pot was handed over to Perhetyö at the same event.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Katriina