Wonderland Ball
You are cordially invited to the Queen of Hearts’ Ball
On Saturday 4.5.2024 13:00-19:00
at Kerhotalo Rupla, Sairaalakatu 27 Joensuu
Theme of the Ball:
Historical dances and Alice in Wonderland stories
Years 1860-1890
Everyone is welcome as they are to participate in the joy of dancing!
What is historical dance?
Historical dances are social court and party dances from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Empire eras. The information about them is based on the notebooks of European court dance masters. The dances and the music have been reconstructed from historical sources. New dances based on historical dance patterns and modern music are created even nowadays. The dances are beginner-friendly and accessible to all levels of dancers.
Dance history is maintained at workshops and ball events. One of the largest and oldest university ball is held annually at the Zurich University of Science and Technology, where the annual tradition has been carried on continuously since 1886. In Finland, Academic proms have been held since the 1850s in connection with promotion ceremonies. The dance tradition is supported by open rehearsals of historical dances organized all around Finland. The dance practices are arranged by groups of historical dance enthusiasts in Joensuu and Kuopio. In Joensuu the historical dance practices are organised by Joensuu Academic Dance & Music Society in collaboration with Mannun Vartijat ry.
What, where, when?
The Academic Ball will be held at Kerhotalo Rupla (Sairaalakatu 27)
Saturday 4th of May 13:00-19:00
There is no enty fee, but we sell a coffee ticket for 5€. The profits from coffee tickets will be used to support Mannuun Vartijat ry's boffer fighting activities.
All students of the university and the university of applied sciences, their friends, and other interested are welcome.
In this ball the dances are european historical dances, modern historically inspired dances, finnish folk dances and traditional academic dances.
Where can I learn the dances?
In Joensuu Mondays 6 pm–8 pm
General open rehearsals
On The University Campus in the lobby of Borealis (Yliopistokatu 7, Joensuu)
No registration, free of charge
Teaching is in Finnish and English.
Open rehearsals on the week of the ball at Motora (Papinkatu 5)
Thursday 2.5. 14:00-16:00 & Friday 3.5. 15:00-17:00
More info: https://t.ly/danceworkshops (https://www.mannunvartijat.com/)
In Kuopio Tuesdays 6.30 pm–9 pm
Rehearsals of the Kuopio historical dance group, open to everyone
Kulttuuriareena 44 (Kauppakatu 44, Kuopio)
No registration, free of charge
More information: https://kuohitar.yhdistysavain.fi/
For the rehearsals you need:
A water bottle, comfortable clothing to practice in, and dance/sport shoes or socks.
NOTE: Borealis has a carpeted floor.
Each dance is taught from the beginning and we learn new dances every week. The exercises do not require commitment. You can participate without a partner and without any dancing experience. Everyone is welcome as they are to practice the dances! Rehearsals are substance-free.
Event values & etiquette
Community spirit
We want to create an event for the whole academic community where you can naturally meet people with different backgrounds across branches of science. You may bring your friends too! Children of all ages are welcome to join with their guardians.
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Inclusivity
Everyone is welcome to dance, regardless of their abilities and disabilities. The dances are easy to learn. Participating in the rehearsals helps you to enjoy the ball fully, but you can also learn all the dances at the event. Each dance is reviewed quickly before it begins, and instructions are given during the dance.
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Connection
Dancing is a universal language that connects people with different backgrounds. Meet fellow dancers with a smile, greeting, eye contact and kind words. We use Finnish and English when dancing, but you can interact in any shared language.
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Diversity
With your dance costume you can express your own personality or cultural background, or try something completely new. A dress or a suit can be worn by anyone, regardless of gender. We also offer a safe space for wearing gender-neutral or gender-crossing clothing. (See: Dress code)
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Accessibility
The languages used in the event are Finnish and English. Together we make sure everyone understands what is going on. Dance instructions are in English.
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Don't assume
Whether it's about the other person's gender identity, sexual identity, dance role or anything else, don’t make assumptions. If asking is necessary, remember to be polite.
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Inclusive terminology
In dance, we use the titles "Lord" and "Lady" for the dance roles. Dancers choose a role depending on the situation and can change it for each dance. These roles are not tied to the dancer’s gender or choice of clothing. We don't assume anyone's gender.
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Invitation to dance
At the beginning of each dance, the dance partners change. You can ask anyone to dance with you. You will then decide on who dances the role of the "Lord" and who the "Lady". We recommend that you try both roles during the Ball. In general, the choreography is almost the same for both.
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Zero tolerance for discrimination
The event is open and safe for everyone. There will be a steward and a harassment contact person at the Ball who you can turn to in case of a problematic situation. We will work together to ensure everyone a warm and welcome atmosphere which we are all responsible for creating.
Dress code
The theme of the event is Alice in Wonderland. Here are some examples for dressing up. If you want, you can take inspiration from these themes in your costume:
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A costume in the theme of Alice in Wonderland. Do you wish to be a rabbit, a hatter, a playing card soldier or something else? A funny hat is always a great addition to a costume.
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A historically themed dance costume.
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A formal outfit. Outfits suitable for the ball are for example: A prom dress, academic attire, a historical costume, a costume that represents your cultural background, tailcoat, a jacket or a dark suit. A hat can crown a formal outfit.
A costume that mixes gendered elements is also appropriate. For example, a dancer can choose to wear a skirt and a tailcoat, or trousers and a corset top. Comfortable dance or party shoes are also important. You can boldly express your own style and personality in a dance costume, or stick to a classic style. The most important thing is to come wearing an outfit in which you feel comfortable and fancy.
Program
The event consists of six short dance sets, breaks and musical performances which guide our dancers through Wonderland. During the breaks you may enjoy the tea party catering. Hop with us down the rabbit hole!
Instructions for the dances are to be found here: https://tanssi.dy.fi/Tanssiohjeet
Overture: Upon a Summer's Day
❧ I Dance Set - Down the Rabbit Hole ❧
Branle des Pois/Pupubranle
Hole in the Wall
Ad Absurdum Sur Place
Pop Goes the Weasel
Intermission: Dance - Gay Gordon
❧ II Dance Set - Drink Me ❧
Jenny Pluck Pears
Branle Maltese
Slängpolska
My Lord Byron's Maggot
Intermission: Dance - Pornopolka
❧ III Dance Set - Advice from a Caterpillar ❧
Cicapo
Giddy Promenade
Palindrome
Irish Gypsy
Intermission: Musical performance
❧ IV Dance Set - A Mad Tea Party ❧
Yarralumla Rumba
Virginia Reel
Salty Dog Rag
Troikka
Intermission: Musical performance - Anttilan Keväthuumaus
❧ V Dance Set - The Queen's Croquet Ground ❧
Queen's Almaine
In My Garden
Dancing in the Meadow
Ballo del Fiore
Intermission: Musical Performance
❧ VI Dance Set - Who Stole the Tarts? ❧
Huutokatrilli
Branle de la Guerre
Petit Vriens
Le Pistolet
Finale: Kehruuvalssi
Sign up for the Ball here!
We use the sign-up to estimate the number of participants for snacks and drinks.
You can also come without signing up beforehand!
If you give your email address, we will notify you directly concerning potential changes, cancellations or photos taken at the event.
Organising the event :
Joensuu Academic Dance & Music Society
