Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Vanhojen tanssit The Old Dances

Vanhojen tanssit (or Wanhojen tanssit; in English "The dances of the old") is a formal prom held in Finnish upper secondary schools (lukio) during the second year. It is a celebration of the fact that the 11th graders are now the oldest of the school. The prom is usually held in February the day after the 12th graders have finished school, after which they have a study break to prepare them for the matriculation exams. Sometimes the first word is spelled with a w, which adds an oldish effect in Finnish. The people attending the dances are called Vanhat (or Wanhat; "The old").

I was not aware of this dance until Pete sent an e-mailwith pictures. It sounds like a wonderful time for all ages to enjoy!

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