Ballroom Bliss is a community dance project by a Berlin-based artist duo deufert&plischke that brings people together to share their stories, movements, and love of dance.
Ballroom Bliss Oulu includes four workshops (14–17 December) and a final event on Saturday, 19 December.
Over the past ten years, Ballroom Bliss has traveled to more than twenty cities around the world. In Oulu, it becomes part of the Oulu 2026 – European Capital of Culture programme.
Workshops
♥ Ballroom Bliss Workshops
♥ Mon 14 Dec – Thu 17 Dec 2026, Pop Up Gallery Kamari
In the workshops, participants explore their connection to dance, write personal “letters to dance”, and share their favourite movements. People of all ages, abilities, and genders—whether experienced or new to dance—are warmly invited to join.
The aim is to bring together people who might not usually meet in everyday life, creating connections across social and cultural differences. The collected letters will form a living, local dance history of Oulu.
Sign Up for the Workshops
The workshops are free of charge, and open to the first 20 registrants. Registration (below) opens on 1 October 2026. You can sign up for one workshop only. The workshops will take place at Cultural Centre Valve, in the Pop Up Gallery Kamari.
- Mon 14 Dec, 5:00–8:00 PM (in English) | Facilitator: deufert&plischke
- Tue 15 Dec, 1:00–5:00 PM (in English) | Facilitator: deufert&plischke
- Wed 16 Dec, 5:00–8:00 PM (in English) | Facilitator: deufert&plischke
- Thu 17 Dec, 5:00–8:00 PM (in English and Finnish) | Facilitator: Xulu202x
Registration
Sign up for the Ballroom Bliss workshops. Registration opens on 1 October 2026.
Final Event
♥ Ballroom Bliss Final Celebration
♥ Sat 19 Dec 2026 at 6:00 PM, Valvesali Hall
The project culminates in a closing celebration where the movements and stories of Oulu are brought to life through dancing together to music played by a DJ. You are in for an open, diverse and inspiring event where you can join in the shared joy regardless of whether you participated in the workshops or have any prior dance experience! The celebration brings together a diverse community of people, creating a shared experience of joy, creativity, and movement.
Pick Up Your Free Ticket Starting 2 December
The final event will take place on Saturday, 19 December, from 6:00 to 7:10 PM at Valvesali Hall. A total of 250 free tickets are available. Please collect your ticket from Valve Ticket Office starting on Wednesday, 2 December.
Please note: Photos and video will be taken during the event. Please tell us at the start if you do not want to be photographed or filmed.
Ballroom Bliss Oulu is a collaboration with deufert&plischke, Cultural Centre Valve and Xulu202x. The Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westfalia has provided funding for the project.