Thank You for Being Part of This Journey ❤️
When I started teaching Bollywood dance in Turku in 2009, I could never have imagined what an incredible journey it would become. In fact, I barely knew what Bollywood dance really was at the time. The internet was not yet the endless source of inspiration it is today, so teaching materials had to be ordered from around the world on VHS tapes and later on DVDs.
During holidays, I searched for dance schools; during business trips, I looked for teachers and new sources of inspiration. Little by little, Åbolly grew into a community that became much more than a hobby for many people.
Over the years, we have danced countless choreographies, organized our own dance shows, and performed at festivals, competitions, and events both in Finland and abroad. We have won competitions, performed at events hosted by the Embassy of India, at the Helsinki Samba Carnival, India Day, and the Diwali Show. Yet the most important part of this journey has always been the people, the shared experiences, and the friendships.
Many students have been with Åbolly from the very beginning. Åbolly has also been a significant part of my own life. Dance has accompanied me since childhood—first through classical ballet, jazz dance, show dance, oriental dance, flamenco, and later Bollywood. I have no intention of stopping dancing for as long as I am able.
However, the time has come to pass the leadership of the dance school on to the next generation. I live with Parkinson’s disease, and although it progresses slowly, it has now reached a point where I know this change is inevitable. I am incredibly happy and grateful that Sanna Soni wanted to continue Åbolly’s journey as an association. She combines expertise, passion, energy, and a vision for the future. I know that Åbolly is in excellent hands.
I will continue to serve on the board of Åbolly Dance School Association for at least the transition period to help ensure that the change takes place as smoothly as possible.
Thank you to every student, performer, collaborator, and friend for these wonderful years. Thank you for your trust, your laughter, the rehearsals, the performances, and all the moments we have shared together.
I wish Åbolly a long and wonderful future — filled with dance, joy, courage, and community.
With love,
Teija Ahola
P.S. You can find more detailed information about the changes on the Contact page.