This autumn, three different dance groups in Boden are meeting as part of the Movin’ community dance project. Through dance and movement, encounters, community, and participation are created across age, cultural, and language barriers.
Chatter and laughter fill the coffee table as Tuesday’s morning group from the Movin’ Boden project meets at Rondo. After the first session, they take a break, which also becomes a natural opportunity to practice Swedish, meet new friends, and share experiences from different cultures.
This particular group consists of daytime retirees and accompanying newcomers to the industrial jobs in Boden.
“I think this is very good, to be able to speak Swedish and meet others. It gives energy, and we have a lot of fun,” says one of the Indian participants.
The retirees agree, highlighting the joy of moving their bodies and getting to know other cultures. They also appreciate that dance is offered as exercise in an always sober environment, unlike traditional dance venues.
Together, they describe how much they look forward to each meeting, and they are already planning what will happen when the project concludes.
When the music starts again, everyone is quickly out on the dance floor. They warm up to catchy samba rhythms. So far, they have tried dances from various countries, and today it’s Swedish folk dance with rhythmic Schottische steps across the floor. And lots of laughter. The joy of dance and the sense of community are unmistakable.
Also in the group is Josefina Schmidt, who is part of Boden’s relocation service and coordinates participation from their contacts. All three dance groups consist of a mix of newcomers and Boden residents.
The project runs from September to November 2026, with meetings at Rondo where participants collectively explore movement and create a joint work. No prior dance experience is needed. The focus is on participating according to one’s own abilities and connecting through movement.
Movin’ has operated in six municipalities in Norrbotten: Jokkmokk, Kiruna, Luleå, and Haparanda, and this autumn and winter also in Boden and Gällivare.
The project is run by the Moskosel Creative Park association and is made possible with support from the Swedish Postcode Lottery Foundation, Region Norrbotten, and KOSA, with accompanying research by Luleå University of Technology.
It’s not too late to sign up, so seize the opportunity if you want to join the dance! The sessions are led by dance artist Linn Lindström and dance educator Alvina Berggren.
Registration: SMS to 076-166 56 68
Read more at movinnorth.com/boden
TEXT: ANNA BERGSTRÖM
