Traditional Finnish dances are events that got more popular in Finland in the early 1910’s. The dancing halls were usually operated by different assiciatons such as sports clubs.

Nowadays the dances are events for the whole family. The dances have a live band and the aim is to enjoy the company of others while listening to live music. You don’t need to know the steps to join in. The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and safe. Just come with an open mind and try!

If you don’t know the steps feel free to join our free dancing lessons before the dance starts. Don’t stress too much about it though - everyone started from 0 knowledge!

In Pavi we have the following system: men’s choice, ladies choice and mixed choice. Choice means whose turn it is to ask someone to dance with them. The Finnish words are “miestenhaku” (men), “naistenhaku” (women) and “sekahaku” (everyone is free to ask). Mixed choice is always happening on the teracce behind our main dancefloor. If unsure, you can just see which groups are taking the initative to find a dancing partner. We also have the timetable for the choises on our event’s page. There is no need stress, no one is offended if it’s not officially your turn to ask: everyone wants to dance anyway!

Usually you search for a partner between the songs. You can join the people waiting for a partner on the right side of the dancefloor. Asking to dance can be done by nodding, smiling or asking directly. It’s OK to say no to dancing with someone. Traditionally you dance 2 songs with the same person. However during our Latino Dancenights usually people dance 1 song with each other before changing. Remember to drink enough water and rest between songs!

Men can also dance with men and women can dance with other women. As long as you are having fun, everyone is!

The dancing happens counterclockwise. Quicker dancers are dancing on the outer ring and the slower ones more in the middle of the dancefloor. If you don’t wish to move you can stay at the middle or find an empty corner.

The dancers are divided to followers and leaders. The lead dancer is in charge of the pace, direction and safety. Bumping into other couples is normal and just naturally happens. An apology is in order and everyone continues dancing as if nothing happened. You can talk with your dancing partner but you don’t have to.

There is no dresscode at Pavi. Choose clothes that you think make it possible for you to dance. We recommend something that keeps you cool. Dancing shoes should be a little slippery so that you don’t stick to the floor. We advice you change out of your outdoor shoes before joining others on the dancefloor.

We have a cafeteria and a little grill that you can find both salty and sweet snacks from. Our caferetia sells refreshements. You can bring your own water bottle and fill it free of charge. We offer also gluteinfree and vegan options.

If you want to eat our own food you can do so outside of our premises. If you have hypoallergies and don’t find anything to eat from our cafeteria, you are free to bring your own snacks.

Many of our events start with a dancing lesson. The price is included in the ticket. You can find the genre of the course from our event’s page.

Thee doors are opened half an hour before the dancing lesson. You don’t need to bring your own partner. Our dancing teachers have a system of partner changing, so that everyone gets a chance to try the steps.

The levers of the course are marked after the genre. Number 1 means the beginner lever. Number 2 signifies a beginner course and a couple of more complex step patterns. Merkintä 1 tarkoittaa aivan alkeista lähtevää kurssia. On Sundays the courses don’t have a level. The teacher looks at the level of participants and proceeds accordingly.