It’s never too late to start dancing – Jenni’s story 💜

Hi! I’m Jenni – a social 34-year-old from Kainuu, now a dance enthusiast in love with Pirkanmaa.

Movement has always been a way for me to express myself. For a long time, however, I pondered if I dared to fulfill my creativity through dance as an adult. I wondered if I was too old to start a new hobby – or rather, to return to a beloved childhood hobby. Perhaps a small mid-life crisis was also involved.

Until four years ago, I decided to take that first step. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Dancing quickly became my weekly moment of respite. Twerk, in particular, has taught me a lot about myself and helped me appreciate who I am. I often tell my loved ones how I experience movement as medicine.

As a mother, everyday life is full of responsibility, constant planning, and haste. A dance class has been a moment for me to focus only on myself. It’s been like a weekly therapy session – a place where I can breathe, let go, and recharge.

Even if I sometimes didn't feel like moving at all, I still went to class, knowing what dancing does for me. I’ve never regretted that decision. Every class has been worth it.

Dance also stayed with me amidst changes

A lot of changes happened in my life during the spring, but one thing stayed with me all the time – dance. It has become one of my greatest resources and something I know will stay with me for a long time.

I feel that dance is an investment in myself. Every class strengthens both body and mind.

At first, the biggest challenge was my own self-criticism. I focused too much on what others were doing and didn't see my own progress at all. Only later did I realize I needed to stop and look at my own journey. When appreciation for my own efforts began to grow, I also saw development in a completely different way.

This spring's goal was to step out of my comfort zone

This spring, I decided to challenge myself properly. I attended classes of different levels and dared to try completely new dance styles.

In addition to Twerk, this spring included Hot Heels, Jazz, and Street. In my main discipline, I also tried more challenging levels and noticed how the clarity, speed, and certainty of movements developed during the season.

Hot Heels brought more body control and self-confidence

Hot Heels brought a completely new challenge – dancing in high heels. High heels were not natural for me before, so the beginning was quite hesitant. However, progress happened surprisingly quickly.

My balance strengthened, and at the same time, my body control developed significantly. During classes, we also practiced throwing ourselves into our own expression and enjoying ourselves, which brought a whole new kind of emotion to the dance.

During the spring, I attended Pirita's Twerk Beginner Continuation and Hot Heels Beginner Continuation classes. Pirita is a joyful, approachable, and encouraging teacher. She pays attention to all students and ensures that everyone keeps up. The muscle conditioning section at the beginning of the classes always makes you sweat, and you can ask questions with a low threshold. This makes the classes safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Jazz taught lines and posture

Jazz was my first encounter with a slightly more classical dance style. I quickly noticed how much, for example, a ballet background would be beneficial in this genre.

I particularly enjoyed the clear lines, posture, and body carriage. As a teacher, Anni Verho was very clear and encouraging. The choreographies were kept appropriately simple, so there was also time to practice jazz technique. Questions could be asked freely, and the pace of instruction was calm.

Street took me to something completely new

I initially went to Miika "Migi" Hurnanen's Street class like a deer in headlights.

I had tried hip hop once, but Street's strong groove, fast footwork, and different movement language were completely new to me. In the Open Level classes, I barely kept up and found myself stumbling constantly.

However, since I had decided to challenge myself, I also went to the Street Beginners class. That turned out to be the perfect decision. The pace was more suitable, and I was able to calmly get into the basics of the genre.

In Migi's classes, you learn to listen to the rhythm of the music very carefully. He pays attention to all students, slows down the teaching when necessary, and makes sure that everyone keeps up. During the classes, the focus is above all on dancing and finding one's own style.

Different genres support each other

Trying new genres has brought a lot of new motivation for dancing and moving. I have noticed that every dance style supports the others. What you learn in one class often shows up in another genre as well.

At the same time, attending classes with different teachers opens up new perspectives, as each teacher has their own way of teaching and inspiring.

What class level should you choose?

If you are starting dance, I warmly recommend starting with beginner-level classes. The tempo is calmer, and the choreographies are built so that you can learn the basic techniques properly.

Beginner continuation is suitable when the basics are already familiar. If you learn quickly, you can keep up well at this level, even if the technique is no longer covered as thoroughly.

Open level classes, on the other hand, are suitable for dancers who already have some experience, as they focus more on dancing itself than on learning basic techniques.

Give yourself a chance to try

If a dance style has been attracting you for a long time, I warmly recommend trying it. You have nothing to lose – but you might find a hobby that brings joy, energy, and a whole new community into your life.

Through dance, I have gained many wonderful people in my life. Some of them are now friends outside the dance studio as well.

One of the most important things dance has taught me is that gender or age does not matter. It is never too late to start.

Wonderful dance moments! ❤️

– Jenni