Dances in Stockholm between spring and summer 2005

May and September are rather special from a dancing perspective. Both months represent a transition period, between the winter dances on polished floors and the summer dances in barns and on open air boards.

Occasionally one might feel that this period is better aimed for other activities than dance - in May one might take delight in the tender verdure, the spring flowers and the singing birds, at the summer house or out in the forest. In September the preserved summer temperature and the approaching autumn with it's rich glowing colours entice away from the dancing rooms.

But, despite that this period runs too fast, it is fortunately possible to get time for more than one activity

The first of these was the dance with Boda Spelmanslag. The dance was organised by Stockholmia and was located at Bagarmossens Folkets Hus.

I did not bring the camera to this dance, but want despite this to tell that the dance was one of the highlights for the season, and very enjoyable.

Boda spelmanslag had some members that we did not recognise, and some that we missed. But they played very inspiring and exciting, and we found the dance very nice.

The musicians mostly alternated one gammaldans with one polska, but occasionally with a longer sequence with polskor. The dance was well attended, and my impression was that both the dancers and the musicians enjoyed the event.

The dances at Ulvsättra Loge start early in May. The place is likely a barn that has been rebuilt, with floorboards with good smoothness and feeling.

The dance is arranged by Ulvsättra Bygdegårdsförening and Jakobsbergs GDV alternately, and contains an equal mixture of gammaldans and modern dance. At the coffee break coffee is served at Ulvsättra Bygdegård, located just across the road.

The pictures below are from May 24, 2004, when Skarvarna were playing.

The amusement park Gröna Lund has re-opened their dance-pavilion, and had a revival with Sten & Stanley. The pavilion is nicely located and has relatively open walls, but is still well sheltered from the rain.

The floor seemed to be new and was well suited for dance. Although there were some small edges at some joints that hopefully disappear after a few dances, the floor is also at present state very nice.

For only SEK 99:- it is possible to dance modern dance here for the whole summer season, with many well known orchestras playing.

With the spacious and pleasant floor, the nice environment, the good orchestras and the very attractive price, these dances should be an appreciated alternative for many dancers in the Stockholm region.