This is an archived event from Culture Days 2025.
Images
Open Finnish Folk Dance Class
In-person
Dance History & heritageDate and time
Location
Prince Arthur Hotel
17 Cumberland Street North
Thunder Bay, ON
Directions: Prince Arthur Hotel - Room TBC Meet in Lobby at 6:15pm, we'll be waiting between 6:10pm to 6:25pm. You can also ask the front desk which room the Kiikurit are practicing in.
Access
Free.
Offered in English.
About
✨ Join Us! ✨
Curious about Finnish folk dancing? The Kiikurit Finnish Folk Dancers welcome anyone interested to join our weekly practices on Thursday at 6:30 pm. No partner or dance experience is needed: just bring your curiosity and comfortable shoes! Whether you’re looking for light exercise, a new cultural experience, or simply a fun evening with friendly people, our practices are open to all. Come try something unique and discover the joy of Finnish folk dance!
Organizer
Kiikurit Finnish Folk Dancers
The Kiikurit Finnish Folk Dancers are a storied folk dance troupe based in Thunder Bay, Ontario, founded in 1970 by Martti Vanhapelto. Over the decades, they have preserved and celebrated traditional Finnish dance through both local and international performances, traveling periodically around NW Ontario and Manitoba, into the US and Finland. At their performances, they showcase dances such as Ellin Polkka, Saimaan Rannan Laulu, and Jatkan Humppa, illustrating both cultural richness and dance dexterity.
Practices run from September through July on Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm (about an hour and a half), and everyone is welcome: no partner or Finnish heritage required. Our members include retirees who enjoy the exercise, young people curious about folk dance culture, and community members who simply want to try something fun and unique.
Kiikurit performs regularly at festivals and cultural events, including FinnFest and Thunder Bay’s Culture Days, inviting audiences to experience the energy, tradition, and camaraderie of Finnish folk dance.
This event is part of a hub:
City of Thunder Bay Culture Days Hub
City of Thunder Bay Thunder Bay, ONOur Culture Days Hub brings together a collection of local events that celebrate creativity, community, and cultural expression. While each activity stands on its own, this hub serves as a simple way to connect them and highlight the shared...