3 Amazing Events I Didn’t Review in 2024…

…but I wish I had

Much like when it comes to music journalism, every so often I go to a performance or class that I really want to write up but for some reason I don’t have time or energy to do so (this is for paid things, of course—I always write reviews when I’ve asked for a pass). This year, there were three classes/events I participated in that were absolutely worth shouting out, but alas, I did not get around to writing them up. So here’s a few more year-end shout-outs!

Jasmine Oriental Dancer’s Fall Classes

I discovered Nanette aka Jasmine Oriental Dance at Helsinki Psych Fest this year and was fascinated by her beautiful performance, especially balancing swords on her head and hips. I started following her and when her fall classes started up, I decided to join in. I had a fantastic time… it was so interesting to me, to be able to explore the feminine side of myself, all while simultaneously visiting why it is so hard for me to behave in ways that I perceive as “feminine.” It definitely helped me learn a lot about myself. She’s also really quirky and funny (and willing to help me out in English whenever necessary), so it’s a delight to participate under her tutelage. Plus, it had the added bonus of helping me out a great deal with my spine mobility and gave me a fun way to explore spinal movement and mobility without overdoing it or pushing myself too hard (as I am wont to do). Fully recommended—I can’t make it to her spring classes as my weekends are too busy, but I cannot recommend them enough!

Whirling Lifedance Fall Classes

Though getting into town on Tuesdays proved endlessly tricky for me, I was able to go to 2-3 classes this fall after attending the August workshop, with the final class on December 3rd being the absolute stand-out class of all of them. It was full of warm, lovely people, incredible and unique musicians, and of course, our brilliant teacher, Safa Solati, who brought us all together and taught us what we need to know about whirling and how it benefits us. There were some new folks, as well as many people who had been there many times before, so we were able to catch up with friends all while making new acquaintances. The final solo spins of the year were honestly magical to witness, with everyone showing a unique side of themselves in their whirl! It was a wonderful way to wrap up the year!

Talvisirkus Fantasia

I confess that I’ve never been to a circus performance in Finland before, unless the Kosmos Circus counts. Actually, I haven’t been to a circus since I was a very small child. So to be invited to come see the Talvisirkus Fantasia this year was beyond amazing. The incredible level of high-end performance was, simply put, out of this world. I really don’t have words to express how fantastic it was. The slapstick circus comedy—featuring some main character clowns and people in rat costumes—was not too much or too little, but was exactly right, and gets further bonus points for being done in a clever way where there was so little speaking that language comprehension was not important. Then, you had world-class aerial performers, jugglers, and acrobats of all sorts, who had people of all ages around me on the edge of their seats, all of us exclaiming in delight and amazement. Also, the music was phenomenal! I highly recommend checking it out before it’s over!