During the Winter War (1939–1940), dancing was forbidden in Finland. Still, many secretly gathered to dance — expressing joy, courage, and togetherness in difficult times. In this course, we take inspiration from those secret dances. This course will be led in English.
In this course, we take inspiration from those secret dances. Facilitator and choreographer Giorgia Lolli is currently beginning a collaborative project with performance artist Laura Cemin. Their shared interest lies at the intersection of social history, dance, and community practices, examining how dance has been regulated and controlled — especially in times of political tension.
Together we will explore:
What happens when our resistance becomes yielding into movement? What unfolds when we dance together? How can dance teach us about freedom of expression, bodily autonomy, joy and collectivity?
Each class begins with a calm warm-up, helping the body to center through simple, sensory and somatic tasks. From there, we move into guided improvisations that awaken our memory, imagination and intuition. We will dance mostly in self-directed ways, but always within the group — listening to ourselves and to others dancing bodies.
The class is held in English, but communication is supported with music, images, and demonstrations, making it possible to follow regardless of language. Giorgia will move with you, facilitating from within the circle. The facilitation will be clear yet open, allowing for each participant to adjust to their comfort and - most importantly - follow their wishes and curiosity.
Everyone can move at their own pace: no previous dance experience is needed.
Giorgia Lolli is an Italian dance artist who has lived in Espoo since 2022. Her work often builds bridges between Finland and Italy, bringing together collaborators from both countries. She holds a Master’s degree in Choreography from Helsinki Uniarts.
Dance, for her, will forever happen in the sphere of the plural: her practice weaves together choreographic creation and community processes. She had many experiences in projects that relate movement and accessibility. Since 2022, she teaches in the European project Dance Well - Movement research for Parkinson’s project, leading movement practices for diverse audiences in museum spaces.
Portrait of Giorgia: Alice Vacondio
