Wanhat 24'

The 9th February, the second year students performed in the traditional Wanhat dances. 115 pairs, so over 200 Mattlidens students, from both national and IB sides, participated and enjoyed the great tradition.

They were divided into two groups, and each group danced in different schools in front of other students. The first group performed in Mattlidens while the second one danced in Störangen for 9th graders in that school during the morning. And after lunch, the second group went back to Mattlidens and the first one went to Lagstads Skola to dance.

We danced multiple dances: the opening dance, followed by the Cicapo, the Salty Dog Rag, Wengerka, Lambeth Walk. Also, there were group dances such as Virginia Reel and Fireman, which were then followed by pair-individual dances like Tango and Runaround.

I myself participated in the dance so I am able to say that it was a great experience, and I am sure I am not the only one who feels this way. I asked my friend what her experience was and her answer was: “at least for me it was very memorable because we spent so much time together and how we spent so much time practising” and her favourite dance was the Runaround, just like mine. 

After a whole dance day, from 10 am to 6 pm, students enjoyed a nice dinner at a restaurant in Helsinki. Here, they all gathered together, having a nice time with their friends as well as revealing the nominations that were previously prepared. Certain students prepared some nominations, and the winners got their prize during the dinner.