Activity Report 2022

In 2022, Turku Swing Society engaged in various activities, including organizing Rock'n'Swing dance weekly courses, practice sessions, intensives, and parties. The main dance styles offered by the association were West Coast Swing (WCS), Lindy Hop, and Argentine Tango. According to the association's rules, individuals who registered and paid the membership fee were accepted as members for each season. At the previous autumn meeting, it was decided to transition from seasonal membership to a year-long membership, with a membership fee of 15€ per year for 2022. The joining fee remained at 0€. Members were informed about the association's activities mainly through email lists, the website, and Facebook.

Spring Season 

20.2. Introduction to West Coast Swing at SHO and SKO event
27.2. Introduction to Argentine Tango at SHO and SKO event
31.3. Promotion event at TYYlikäs Satane (the association had a stand)
5.5. Practilonga
12.5. End-of-season party
14.5. WCS party
19.5. Lindy-WCS practice
27.5. Rock'n'Swing party

West Coast Swing: 1 x 8-week course sessions (beginners, beginner-intermediate, and intermediate levels) and 1 x 4-week courses (beginners, open level)
Lindy Hop: 1 x 8-week course sessions (beginners, open level) 
Argentine Tango: 1 x 4-week beginner's course

Summer

West Coast Swing: 1 x 7-week rally choreography course

Autumn Season

5.8. Rock'n'Swing party
26.8. Promotion event at Welcome Fair
3.9. Rally performance 
19.9. Super recap of West Coast Swing 
21.9. Promotion event at Kauppatori (Market Square) during the opening week of activities 
20.10. WCS practice 
27.10. WCS practice 
17.11. WCS practice 
24.11. WCS practice

West Coast Swing: 11-week course sessions with three groups (beginners, beginner-intermediate, and intermediate levels). 
No weekly courses were organized for Lindy Hop and Argentine Tango during the autumn.

Meetings and Assemblies

Two member meetings were held, including the spring meeting and the autumn meeting, as required by the rules.

The spring meeting on 31.3.2022 discussed the activity report and financial statement, and the board was granted discharge from liability for the year 2021.

The autumn meeting on 19.12.2022 discussed the activity plan and budget, and the chairman and other members and alternate members of the board for 2023 were elected. 
The meeting also appointed auditors and deputy auditors.
Santtu Hietamäki was appointed as the auditor, and Mikko Peltonen as the deputy auditor.

The 2022 board held a total of 10 meetings.

Board 2023

Chairperson and Lindy Hop Coordinator: Nuutti Vertanen, puheenjohtaja(at)turkuswingsociety.com, lindyhop(at)turkuswingsociety.com
Vice Chairperson and Venue Coordinator: Antero Seppänen
Secretary and Publicist: Maria Mylläri, tiedottaja(at)turkuswingsociety.com
Treasurer: Jelena Vuorinen, taloudenhoitaja(at)turkuswingsociety.com
Membership Coordinator and Data Security and Well-being Coordinator: Oona Peltonen, jasenvastaava(at)turkuswingsociety.com
Deputy Members: Li-Hsin Chang ja Salla Ryytty

Other coordinators:
Website Coordinator: Mari Salonen
Registration Coordinator: Sergey Borisov
Argentine Tango Coordinator: Robert Hafrén, tangoargentino(at)turkuswingsociety.com
WCS Coordinator: Disa Sjögren, wcs(at)turkuswingsociety.com
Assistant WCS Coordinator: Mikko Peltonen
Social Media Coordinator: Li-Hsin Chang
Assistant Social Media Coordinator: Jere Toikka

Activity Plan 2023

Turku Swing Society is a hobby organization under the Student Union of the University of Turku (TYY), offering dance lessons and dance events for everyone. The association organizes weekly courses in Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, and Argentine Tango, and possibly other dance styles, depending on the availability of teachers and venues. The board is responsible for decisions regarding instructors and course organization. The association provides beginner, beginner-intermediate, and intermediate level courses and reserves practice slots within the limits of available resources. Weekend courses for the regular dance styles and supportive styles are organized in both spring and autumn.

The number of courses is primarily influenced by the enthusiasm and commitment of the organizing members and instructors, as well as the financial and other resources of the association. Courses are organized in continuation as much as possible, allowing beginners to advance to the next level.

In the spring season, weekly courses are held in venues provided by the City of Turku. In the autumn season, the weekly courses are organized based on venue and instructor availability. Any profits obtained from courses and other activities are used for the benefit of the members, including regular dance parties and practice sessions.

Throughout the season, social dance parties and other dance events with programs are organized for anyone interested. At the beginning of each season (twice a year), introductory dance parties are organized, and at the end of the autumn and spring seasons, there are Christmas parties and spring parties, respectively. The aim of these events is to introduce dancers to each other, create a sense of community, and facilitate the participation of beginners in social dancing.

The association aims to participate in events and trainings organized by the University of Turku, other universities, and TYY.

Collaborations with Flying Steps, Sekahaku, and other partners will continue and be further developed. Regular dance nights will continue to be organized. Additionally, there will be continued cooperation with other dance societies in Turku regarding information sharing. Members are encouraged to attend dance camps and other dance events, and such camps and events will be promoted through the association's communication channels.

Increasing the visibility of the association and raising awareness of Rock'n'Swing dances and Argentine Tango are important objectives, which will be pursued by participating in various events, organizing activities within the available resources, and performing at suitable occasions. Special attention will be given to large events, where active TYY members are also present, to increase the visibility of the association's activities and to encourage new student members to join the courses. Before the start of the autumn and spring course periods, a trial day can be organized. Information about courses and other current matters will continue to be shared through TSS's website, Facebook pages, other dance event groups, and email lists. TYY's communication channels will also be utilized.

The association will maintain openness to new solutions, trying out different dance styles and ideas to develop its activities. Member feedback will be taken into account in the board's decisions. Turku Swing Society is committed to preventing the use of tobacco and other nicotine products. The association operates as a discrimination-free environment.