Helsingin Kansantanssin Ystävät ry
(Friends Of Folkdance in Helsinki)

Helsingin Kansantanssin Ystävät ry (HKY) has a long tradition behind it. Although the organisation wasn\\\'t officially founded until in 1964, its activities have in practice been the same as the ones of Suomalaisen Kansantanssin Ystävat (Friends of Finnish Folkdance), founded in 1901. In 1964 the rules of the organisation were changed so that Helsingin Kansantanssin Ystävät takes care of local affairs and Suomalaisen Kansantanssin Ystävät is the national organisation.

Nowadays HKY is known as a lively folkdance organisation in the capital area. During the past few years it has had seven different folkdance groups that practice weekly: two groups for children, one for the young people, three for adults and one for veterans. The groups perform their skills in different events, parties, festivities etc., even abroad.

Tanssituvat (dancing workshops) have been popular for many years. In these workshops old dances are taught and the Finnish dancing traditions are revived. Every Wednesday during the summer months HKY organises an old-time Finnish dance evening in the heart of Helsinki. Summer is also the time for national and Nordic folkdance gatherings, in which we always participate as a big group. Also the international festivals abroad are favoured.