A day for the princes and princesses

The second graders danced their prom on the 13^th of February. A prom for the second graders is an old tradition and it is usually organised in February after the third period when the  third graders have ended their school year and the second graders are the oldest at school. The prom is called “Wanhojen tanssit” in English “Prom for the old ones”.

   The second graders' day started at 10 o’clock but the girls had woken up really early to do their hair and makeup. Everything was beautiful. The girls looked like princesses and the boys were so handsome in their suits and tuxedoes. You could feel the excitement in the school before the prom began.

   At 10 o’clock the  9^th graders from the junior high and the 1^st graders from the senior high were in the gym hall which the 1^st graders had decorated  the day before. The prom was ready to begin. Everything was beautiful. The 2^nd graders' dances were awesome and they danced really well, the dresses and the decoration were so amazing that it didn’t feel like it was our gym hall.

   After the 2^nd graders had danced in our school they went to the primary school in Kyröskoski and danced the same dances there. There was also a party in the evening.

Written by Johanna 1B

Old dances in FES

What is the time when girls in the second grade of high school start to think about getting a beautiful dress and perhaps a new colour in their hair and when we usually notice how small number of boys we actually have in our school? – It’s time for getting ready for the old dances, of course!

 

In most of Finland’s high schools we’ve the tradition of old dances. That tradition is for the second year students and the actual event lasts one day (or for example in Helsinki two days) and then we perform at schools and usually in some kindergardens and/or in retirement homes etc. And at least in Fes we’ve a special evening ceremony at school  where relatives and friends can come to watch. After that we usually go to a restaurant and after that have some kind of ”after parties” somewhere.  In FES we start practising in period 3, about a month before Christmas, and have practices three times a week and some extra lessons before the actual dances. And usually we learn about 8 to 10 dances all in all.

So, now we are already almost in the half way of practising for the old dances (soon we’re having a Christmas break) And, I've gotta to say, it’s much easier than I had thought! Though some dances are quite fast… But, no one minds if it’s just funny! (at least I don’t). I’m sure  it’ll look spectacular when ”the day” comes! And luckily we’ve time until February… (In FES the old dances are on 17^th of February 2012)

Our lessons have included a lot of laugh, some tough moments and even more moving! Turnings, guick steps, much to remember without forgetting to enjoy dancing and those silly mistakes! 

Written by Janette Välimäki 2B

This is what it looks like now.  Quite good actually!