Senior Day

The first balls of the "senior" gymnasium students were held in separate capital’s gymnasiums as early as the pre-war 1930s, and in the 1950-1960s they began to hold a new holiday throughout Finland ^[2] . This tradition acquired official status only in the late 1970s or early 1980s after the school reform in Finland. The initial idea of ​​the holiday was to symbolically change into old or simply old dresses and costumes that gymnasium students could borrow from their grandparents to emphasize their new status in the gymnasium hierarchy. The image of antiquity was to be supported by ancient and other dances: polonaise , chaconne , kikapo , Hungarian (version of the chardash ), Viennese waltz .

Currently, the dress code for this celebration has changed somewhat ^[3] . Ancient outfits and retro clothes, which were removed from the grandfather's attic, were replaced by lush ball gowns and classic costumes, tuxedos and tailcoats ^[4] . High school students buy or rent these outfits at the studio. In connection with this change, the holiday can cost participants and their parents very expensive. The holiday requires a special look, a beautiful hairstyle, jewelry and makeup.

Preparation for the ball begins in a few months. Gymnasium students themselves must find a dance partner. Participation in this holiday is not necessary, but desirable. In preparation for the ball, high school students attend special courses at which they learn to dance pair dances. The dance program can vary from gymnasium to gymnasium, but the basic set of dances remains stable. In the early 2000s, a special improvisational dance was included in the ball's dance program, which the gymnasium students themselves must come up with. Usually this is a free dance, very different from the traditional ones both musically and choreographically.

Traditionally, the classical dance set of the ball presents old salon dances, fashionable dances of the 20th century and dances of the 1920-1930s ^[5] . The traditional dance repertoire is as follows:

• Salon dances: polonaise , kikapo, hungarian, padespan , pompadour and chacon
• Pair dances: Viennese waltz and tango
• American Folk Dances: Seabass Ragtime ( Salty Dog Rag ), Fireman's Dance ( Eng. Fireman's dance ) and Virginia Quadrille ( Eng. Virginia Reel )
• Other dances, such as the British dance in the style of the Cockney Lambeth Walk ( English Lambeth Walk ) or free dance.

A ball of senior high school students is held in mid-February. The program of this day in different gymnasiums and regions may vary significantly. Usually, senior high school students perform twice during the day. The first performance takes place in the morning at the gymnasium for other students. The second performance takes place in the afternoon, the main spectators are the parents of senior gymnasium students. Often the second performance takes place in a large city hall, most often a sports hall, able to accommodate the "senior" of all or many of the city's gymnasiums. After dancing, it is customary to visit a restaurant or cafe with friends or family. In some gymnasiums this holiday takes place two days.