Tanhuhovi dance hall reopens after closure in Lohja, Southern Finland

The Tanhuhovi dance hall in Lohja has reopened its doors after nearly a year and a half of closure. On Saturday night, dancers eagerly tested the slickness of the floor as they entered the venue. Teemu Roivainen, the 2014 Tango King, was busy setting up sound equipment with his band for the evening’s performance.

Despite ongoing challenges in the restaurant sector, dance venues have seen a revival over the summer, with a noticeable increase in audience numbers. The pandemic years had emptied the dance floors, but a youthful crowd, particularly in Southern Finland, is returning to these sites.

TikTok dances featuring young enthusiasts showcasing their skills have fueled some of this resurgence. Onerva Aikio, who has operated Tanhuhovi since the 1960s, decided to reopen after the previous operator ceased dance events a year and a half ago, motivated by community requests for the return of the dance hall.

“Younger audiences are increasingly participating in dances, and it’s encouraging to see this trend,” says Roivainen. He remarked that, unlike previous generations who frequented dance halls, the current youth scene has been influenced by the rise of clubs and karaoke bars, yet the unique charm of dance venues is garnering renewed appreciation.

Attendees of the reopening, like Veera Vikstedt, a local in her twenties, expressed excitement about the vibrant atmosphere, calling the return of Tanhuhovi essential. Many couples reminisced about the hall’s past popularity, noting its significance in their lives.

With a full house on opening night, Tanhuhovi’s revival appears promising, reminiscent of its storied history as a key location for social gatherings and entertainment in Southern Finland.