Finland at Eurovision Dance Contest 2008 �� 2008 (original) (raw)

Maria Lund & Mikko Ahti (Finland) - tango (Satumaa by Unto Mononen, arranged by Kalle Elkomaa, performed by Tango For Four) Biography / �� Latest News / ��
Biographies / ��

Finnish broadcaster YLE has reach agreement with private channel MTV3, that winners of show "Tanssii tahtien kanssa" (local version of "Dancing With Stars") singer Maria Lund and dancer Mikko Ahti will represent Finland at EDC 2008. Additional information on couple, as well, as videos of their performances is available on MTV3 site. The style of the dance to be performed by Maria and Mikko in the Eurovision Dance Contest 2008 is tango on Satumaa tango music. It is known that dancers will be dressed in blue and white outfits, colours of Finnish flag, to demonstrade dark beauty of Finland in this passionate fatal tango dance. Video of the dance presentation is available here, and you can watch complete national show Eurotanssit 2008 here (more on it in the news section below) Earlier in May, almost 287,000 Finns voted in the Dancing with the Stars contest. 163,000 of them voted for the winning team of Maria Lund and Mikko Ahti. Maria and Mikko�s last dance was different and special. Maria danced like a flower child, barefooted and in a flouncy dress. Jury went for another couple, Nicke Lignell and Susa Matson with the score 110-104, but it was the people who decided the contest, and they chose differently. 1.2 millions of Finns have watched the show in April and May, making it the most watched program on Finnish TV, even beating ice-hockey championship.	�� YLE �� MTV3, �� "Tanssii tahtien kanssa" (�� "�� ") � ��, �� : �� 2008. �� , � �� MTV3. �� , �� Satumaa. ��, �� -�� , �� . �� , � �� Eurotanssit 2008 �� (�� ) �� , �� 287 �� . 163 �� . �� , �� , �� , �� 110-104, �� . 1.2 �� , �� , �� .

Maria Lund (age 25) is a singer and an actress. She was born in Munich, Germany on 9th of May, 1983. Her parents are both opera-singers, Tamara Lund (who took part in Finnish Eurovision Song Contest preselections in 60s) and Romanian Alexandru Ionita. She graduated from the Lycee Francais de Dusseldorf and speaks fluently six different languages: Finnish, Romanian, German, French, English and Spanish. Music and theatre have always been an integral part of Maria�s life. Already as a child she attended tours together with her parents who were both singers. In addition to singing and dancing she plays two musical instruments: piano and harp. Out of all styles of music jazz is closest to Maria�s heart. At 16 she started a jazz-singing career in Finland and she had the luck to work only with the best there. Heikki Sarmanto, Jarmo Savolainen, Sakari Kukko, Ted Curson, etc. In the past few years she has broaden her repertoire to classical music, musicals and also pop and rock. She started acting seriously in 2003, on well-known Finnish stages. She is at her best doing musicals such as West side story, Madamme Butterfly and My fair lady, that show her multiple skills of singing, dancing and acting. Later this year she will play the starring role in Seinajoki City Theatre�s musical "Tivolilapset", which will have its� world premiere in October. The musical is based on Katariina Leino�s book with the same name. Maria is married to actor Mikko Rantaniva and in their family they have a papillon Chibo and a Great Dane called Nanna. Maria�s hobbies are exercising and jogging. The best way for her to relax is to have a cup of coffee in the morning in her own veranda. Helsinki-born Mikko Ahti graduated in 1985 from Makelanrinne Senior High School, which is one of the 12 top sport schools in Finland, and got his dance teacher diploma in 2003. Mikko�s career as a TV star is new, but as a dancer he is very experienced. Mikko Ahti (age 33) is a professional dancer and dance teacher. Mikko began dancing at the age of six years with his cousin Niina Antikainen at Blue & White club. Since November 1995 he is dancing with Carina Riikonen (Ahti) and during his amateur career he won among others two Finnish Championships of Ten Dance in 1998-99 and achieved 9th position in IDSF World Ten Dance Championships in the year 2000. As a professional he won the Finnish Championships of Standard Dance in 2003. Besides teaching dance Mikko is nowadays busy with performing in dance associations, business gatherings and various other events. He also authors choreographies: for example at the moment for figure skater Ari-Pekka Nurmenkari. Mikko has participated in Strictly Come Dancing twice. In 2nd edition of Finnish Dancing With Stars Mikko was runner-up in couple with actress Sari Siikander and a year after he won the contest with Maria Lund. Mikko also was involved in staging of 2002 Calypso-musicals, choreographed by Jorma Uotinen. Last autumn Mikko danced in "Tanssi mun kasi tayteen" dance show in Alexander Theatre in Helsinki. This show was extraordinary because the whole performing group was gathered from the couples who had danced in Strictly Come Dancing. Mikko says the success of the television program has made dancing very popular, and more and more people want to learn to dance as they do on television. Mikko doesn�t compete anymore, but says he regularly goes to dancing classes with his wife. Mikko is married to his regular dance partner Carina Ahti and the couple has got two children: three-year-old Linnea and Benjamin who is only six months old. Family lives in Piikkio. The couple teaches dancing in different dance and athletic clubs as well as giving lessons to company employees. Mikko�s activities are sports, exercise, do-it-yourself woodwork and sudokus. When not dancing, Mikko has a career in the office environment. He has been working with Lindorff's customer services for five years.	25 �� - �� . �� , �� 9�� 1983�� . �� - �� (�� 60�) � �� . �� : ��, ��, ��, ��, �� . �� . �� . � �� : �� . �� . � �� 16 �� . �� . �� , �� , �� , �� , �� .�. � �� , ��, � �� -��. � 2003 �� , �� West side story, Madamme Butterfly � My fair lady, �� , �� . � 2008 �� "Tivolilapset" �� , �� . �� . �� . �� - �� , � �� - �� . �� �� 1985 �� , �� . �� - ��, �� . 33� �� - �� . �� 6 �� 10 �� 1998-99 �� 9� �� -10 ��, �� 10 ��, IDSF 2000 ��. � �� 2003 ��. �� , �� -�� . �� , �� -�� . �� . �� . �� "Tanssi mu kasi tayteen" � �� . �� , �� "�� ". �� , �� , � �� , �� . �� , �� . �� (��) � � �� : �� 6-�� . �� . �� . �� , ��, �� . �� , �� Lindorff, �� , � �� 5 ��.
Latest News / ��

04/09 Asko Murtomaki continues blogging from Glasgow here: Another tight rehearsal is now behind. It seems that situation is brighter that than yesterday, because the director had taken account of the criticisms voiced by Finnish delegation, and changed the camera angles to more suitable. A couple of points still did not go quite yet the way we wanted, but they have been promised to be corrected tomorrow. Today, representatives of Finland are listed fourth in all betting odds. Above are only the participants from Ukraine, Russia and Azerbaijan. In fact, I have not yet seen any other countries performances, but it certainly convincing, though a bit surprising that they are considered one of the contest favourites. We also had some Glasgow trips today, including visiting whisky manufacturing facility and of course tasting the finished product. More on that in Hello Glasgow diaries. Another blog is run by EDC Head of press Aila Havia-Venalainen here. We use this chance to thank her for all assistance in coverage of Finnish EDC participation.	�� , �� : �� . ��, �� , �� , �� . �� , �� , �� . ��, �� . �� , �� . ��-��, � �� , �� , �� , �� . �� , �� . �� - � �� Hello Glasgow. �� -�� -�� . �� , �� .
photo: Jyrki Valkama, YLE
04/09 Asko Murtomaki keeps reporting from Glasgow, having the following news update: "In addition to the rehearsal of Maria and Mikko today I've got a chance to see Netherland's rehearsals. I predict Finland will do better than the Netherlands despite the fact that in the end of their dance Thomas Berge shows his singing talent. His dancing however looked stiff. The other journalists thought that Finland is amongst the best ones this year aswell and so are Denmark and Azerbaijan. Finland's advantage is considered to be the fact, that it has only one song and one dance while the others have too much stuff and different songs in one package. The first rehearsals went great dance-wise but not with the direction. The camera ankles were poor and there were too few close shots. The team Finland gave a lot feedback and on Thursday we will see if the director have noticed the wishes".	�� , �� : "�� . �� , �� , �� , �� . �� , ��, �� . �� , �� - �� , �� . �� , �� , � �� . �� , �� . �� , � ��, ��-�� . �� , �� ".


03/09 New casualities at EDC in Glasgow. After we've reported on lost luggage of Austrian couple, Finnish delegation has also got in some troubles. It seems that EDC program is made of all kinds of little accidents and setbacks. Or may be it is just a bad luck? First, a flight from Helsinki to London was delayed for technical reasons for about on hour, and journey from London to Glasgow has also been affected. However, finally plane rose and even managed to descend back to Earth relatively smoothly. In Helsinki Vantaa airport delegation met last year winners Jussi and Katja. However, they were departing to some other place, rather than Glasgow. They informed, that they certainly would like to be involved in the contest as winners, eager to perform, or at minimum to deliver a prize to successors. But they were not asked. Yesterday, Finnish delegation has went in cafeteria as the hotel breakfast coffee was bad enough. Of course, when they were getting prepared to have a hot drink, smoke detectors of cafeteria started alarm and all customers were directed out of the building. Fire brigade has arrived in a few moments, however alarm appeared to be false as there was no sign of fire. Good thing about it that delegation was finally able to enjoy their coffee. Photoshot in Glasgow was better, as the weather was good and no sign of rain. Delegation has decided to leave on tour around the city, which was also very pleasant experience. Today, on Wednesday, the report on tour will be included in Hello Glasgow diary on YLE2 (watch here) On press launch Mikko Ahti had to keep the flag of the Finland alone, because other member of couple, Maria Lund has arrived only today. However, Mikko has coped with this with honour. For more info, check Asko Murtomaki, regular ESC commentator, blog from Glasgow here.	�� . �� , �� , �� . ��, �� , �� ? �� , � �� . ��, � ��-��, �� . � �� . �� . �� , �� , �� . �� . ��, �� , �� . �� , �� , �� . �� , �� , �� . �� . �� , �� . �� , � �� . ��, � ��, �� Hello Glasgow �� YLE2 (�� ) �� , �� , �� , �� , �� . ��, �� . �� - � �� .
YLE has announced voting numbers for Finland: 0700-717-xx or SMS xx to 17163 (66 cents for call or SMS). Jaana Pelkonen, host of Eurovision 2007, will be announcing results of Finnish televoting.	YLE �� : 0700-717-xx �� xx �� 17163 (66 �� ). �� , �� 2007.
23/08 Tonight, at 19.35 local time Finnish broadcaster YLE2 will air Eurotanssit 2008 show. For the first time public will be able to see freestyle tango of Mikko Ahti and Maria Lund, which they will prepared for Glasgow. Show will also feature performances of dancers Jussi Vaananen & Katja Koukkula, Erik & Sanna Hento, singer Laura and Janne Tulkki, groups Hassaka, Ta'urua, StepUp, Flow Mo. Show will be hosted by Johanna Pirttilahti. You can find details below on this page. If you missed the show, it is being repeated on Sunday, 24th of August at 22.55 local at YLE2, or watch it online here. Separate file of Satumaa performance is available here.	��, � 19.35 �� , �� YLE2 �� Eurotanssit 2008. �� , �� . � �� , �� , �� , �� , �� , ��'��, ��, �� . �� . �� . �� - �� 24�� 22.55 �� YLE2 �� . �� .
11/08 Maria Lund has signed a record deal with Universal Music. Maria is currently and through August in the studio, recording in Tampere her new album, to be produced by Valtteri Tynkkynen from YUP. The first single from it will be published in September. It is believed, that album will also include several songs written by Lund.	�� Universal Music. � �� , �� , �� , � �� . �� . ��, �� .
Eurotanssit 2008 show photo: yle.fi
07/08 In the 2008 Eurovision Dance Contest, each couple will perform one dance � a freestyle dance with a national flavour, which should include elements of the traditional Latin and ballroom. In the dance of the Finnish entrants Maria Lund and Mikko Ahti there is plenty of Finnish flavour: the style of the dance, the music as well as the outfits reflect the Finnish personality, identity and culture. Finnish Tango The style of the dance to be performed by Maria and Mikko in the 2008 Eurovision Dance Contest is Finnish tango, which is one of the most enduring and popular music forms in Finland. It is an essential part of the Finnish way of living and culture. One of the highlights of Finnish summers is the Tango Festival, Tangomarkkinat, held annually in the town of Seinajoki. The festival attracts more than 100,000 visitors every year. Finland is often considered as one of the home countries of tango, together with Argentina. Finnish tango is an established variation of the Argentine tango. Finnish tangos are almost always in a minor key. For their tunes they draw on Finnish folk songs and waltz romances in Slavonic vein, and they have a descending melodic line. The tempo in the Finnish tango is slower than in its Argentinean relative. The most common rhythmic motif in the Finnish tango is that of a march pure and simple. The most Argentinean aspect of the Finnish tango is the instrumental interlude. The inherent quality and identity of the Finnish tango is in the lyrics. The most common subject of the Finnish tango is love � or rather the lack of it. (Source: Jutta Jaakkola, Finnish Music Information Centre) Unto Mononen "Satumaa" Maria Lund and Mikko Ahti will dance to the legendary tango "Satumaa" (wonderland) composed by Unto Mononen, which is sometimes called "the national tango" of Finland. Unto Mononen (1930-1968) is one of the greatest tango composers and icons of the genre in Finland. More than half of his recorded compositions are tangos, and "Satumaa" is by far the best known of them all. It was first recorded in 1955, but not until it was recorded by Reijo Taipale in 1962 did it become a national hit. Since then it has been recorded dozens, if not hundreds of times, and invariably ranks among the most frequently performed Finnish pieces each year. (Source: Jutta Jaakkola, Finnish Music Information Centre) "Tango For Four" Finnish quartet "Tango For Four" are: Jakko Kuusisto - violin, Mika Vaeyrynen - accordeon, Kalle Elkomaa - piano, keyboards and Jaan Wessman - bass, matchbox. Their recording of Satumaa comes from "Tango for Four" No 2 album recorded in 2001, which contains a very avant-garde jazzy instrumental treatment of 12 tangos, 6 of them Finnish. Tango For Four spiced up the 2000 Independence Day Presidential Gala Night (a major event in Finland), as well as playing for an excited audience on a three day run of shows in Tokyo in 2001. Outfits Even the colours of the outfits of the Finnish dancers reflect national Finnish elements � blue and white being the colours of the Finnish flag. Blue stands for the colour of the hundreds of thousands of Finnish lakes and white for the snow of our long winter and the light, soft clouds on the blue midsummer sky. Maria�s dress is snow-white, a stunning outfit with sparkling blue strass stones. The top is of lace, the underdress of satin, the skirt of pleated fabric. Two kinds of blue strass stones will decorate the neckline and a white belt � also decorated with the blue stones � will conform to the diagonal neckline. Maria�s shoes will probably be skin-coloured standard shoes. Mikko will be wearing a dark blue pinstripe suit including a waistcoat, white shirt and either white or black shoes.	�� , �� - �� , �� . � �� : �� , �� . �� �� , �� 2008 - �� , �� . �� - �� . �� Tangomarkkinat, �� . �� 100 000 ��. �� , �� . �� - �� . �� . �� . �� , �� . �� - �� . �� - �� . �� . �� - �� . "Satumaa" �� �� "Satumaa" (�� ), �� , �� "�� " ��. �� (1930-1968) - �� . �� - �� , � "Satumaa" - �� . �� 1955 ��, �� 1962 ��. � �� , �� , � �� . "Tango For Four" �� "�� " �� - ��, �� - ��, �� - �� - ��. �� "Satumaa" �� "Tango For Four" No 2 � 2001 ��. �� 12 ��, �� 6 - ��. "Tango For Four" �� -�� 2000 ��, � �� 2001 ��. �� �� - �� - �� . �� , � �� - �� . �� -�� , �� . �� , �� , �� . �� , �� , �� . �� . �� -�� , �� , �� .
YLE presents the whole range of broadcasts devoted to Eurovision Dance Contest: On 1st of August, 19.30 local time YLE 2 will repeat broadcast of Eurovision Dance Contest 2007. Starting from last week of July and through August, YLE2 will air diaries "Kohti Eurotansseja" (Towards Eurovision) devoted to preparations of Finnish dance couple. You can watch them on demand for one week after the original air date here or download here (flv format). Part 1: 29.07 @ 20.45, 30.07 @ 14.40, 06.08 @ 20.25, 07.08 @ 20.45 Part 2: 30.07 @ 20.25, 02.08 @ 20.46, 05.08 @ 20.46, 08.08 @ 20.55, 12.08 @ 18.45, 17.08 @ 21.45 As we informed earlier, on 23rd of August at 19.35 YLE2 will air special show Eurotanssit 2008 with participation of many singing and dance stars. Another special diaries, devoted to EuroWeek in Glasgow "Hello Glasgow" will be aired on YLE2 from 3rd to 6th of September. 03.09 @ 20.00 & 22.55; 04.09 @ 20.45 & 24.03; 05.09 @ 20.00 & 22.50; 06.09 @ 21.48 - watch them here. Besides live broadcast on 6th of September 22.00, YLE2 will repeat 2nd Eurovision Dance Contest on 8th of September at 12.05.	��YLE �� , �� : 1�� 19.30 �� YLE2 �� 2007. �� YLE2 �� "Kohti Eurotansseja" (�� ), �� . �� (�� flv). �� 1: 29.07 @ 20.45, 30.07 @ 14.40, 06.08 @ 20.25, 07.08 @ 20.45 �� 2: 30.07 @ 20.25, 02.08 @ 20.46, 05.08 @ 20.46, 08.08 @ 20.55, 12.08 @ 18.45, 17.08 @ 21.45 23�� , � 19.35 � �� YLE2 �� Eurotanssit 2008, � �� . �� "Hello, Glasgow" �� YLE2 � �� , �� 3�� 6 ��. 03.09 @ 20.00 & 22.55; 04.09 @ 20.45 & 24.03; 05.09 @ 20.00 & 22.50; 06.09 @ 21.48, �� . �� 6�� 22.00 YLE2 �� 2008 8�� 12.05.
21/07 Winners of Eurovision Dance Contest 2007 Finnish national broadcaster YLE will provide it's viewers additional show devoted to the participation of Maria and Mikko in EDC 2008. ESCKaz has exclusively learnt the details of it. Johanna Pirttilahti will host the national Finnish Eurotanssit show that will be recorded on 6th of August at Vanha Ylioppilastalo (the Euroclub in ESC 2007) and will be broadcasted on 23rd of August, 19.35 on YLE2. Finnish people got to know Johanna Pirttilahti (age 40) as an announcer of TV Channel 2 where she has worked since 1991. Johanna has got Master�s degree in Philosophy and her profession is a trainer of Finnish and speech communication. Over the years she has also worked as a studio hostess and trained many popular faces and voices for the TV screen in Finnish Broadcasting Company. Further, Johanna has got expertise in doing artist interviews in live broadcasts: doing so for example several years in Eurovision Song Contest and annual music industry awards of Finland. Sparkling show will celebrate dancing itself and will demonstrate the fact that the World Dance is a versatile, and that the Finns really know how to dance! Viewers will be able to enjoy the performances by Laura Voutilainen (Finnish ESC 2002 representative in Tallinn) and very famous entertainer Janne Tulkki, hip-hop singer Elastinen and band Fintelligens, break dance group Flow-Mo, group Hassaka made of actors Jack Koskinen, Helena Rangman and Marko Keskitalo. Last year's winners, Jukka and Katja will also dance two dances and they will dance the second one with Erik and Sanna Hento, participants of EDC 2007 national selection. Of course, show will feature performance of EDC 2008 entrants Mikko Ahti and Maria Lund as well. There will be some Scottish music (to honour Glasgow) by Helsinki Pipes and Drums. Finnish dance group Ta'urua will dance some polyneisian rhytms and group Show Up will present show dance at it's best. There will be also latin dances, dance parodies and air acrobatics in the show. Among the audience there will be some famous finnish persons like poet Tommy Taberman and Aira Samulin, which will also deliver their thoughts on dancing. Update: singer Laura is inviting up to 15 fans to follow her performance of two new songs Palaa and Monta Monta (Russian viewers will be surprised to recognize them as cover versions of songs of ESC05 entrant Natalia Podolskaya), and join recording of Eurotanssit show. You can register on first come first served basis sending your contact information through feedback form of Laura's website. Laura has well prepared for this show, her presentation, will involve not only dancers, but also air acrobat Taavi Vuokkovaara.	�� YLE �� , �� 2008. ESCKaz �� . �� , �� 6�� Vanha Ylioppilastalo (�� 2007) � �� 23�� , 19.35 �� YLE2. 40-�� 2�� , �� 1991 ��. �� . � �� , �� , �� , �� . �� , �� . �� , �� , �� 2002, � �� , �� , �� Fintelligens, ��-�� Flow-Mo, �� , � �� , �� . �� , �� , �� . ��, �� 2008 �� . �� (�� ), �� . �� Ta'urua �� , � Show Up �� -��. �� , �� . � �� , �� , �� . ��: �� 15 �� Eurotanssit, �� Palaa � Monta Monta (�� 2005 �� ). �� , �� "�� ". �� , �� , �� .
16/07 Dance expert Sirpa Suutari-Jaasko and Johanna Pirttilahti will be Finnish commentators at Eurovision Dance Contest. Suutari-Jaasko was also one of the 4 judges in Finnish preselection. Pirttilahti will also host domestic Eurotanssit show on 23rd of August. "I took part in EDC already last year, first drawing tickets for the competition order of the dancers in the Finnish National Selection Show and after that announcing Finnish votes in the international final broadcast. At that moment I felt very relaxed because we had been rehearsing the live broadcast great many times. It was also a very happy and pleasant moment because already at that point Finnish couple was in the lead! I couldn�t help myself from smiling! This year it is really nice and challenging for me to get to commentate the final competition together with Sirpa, who is a true dance professional. Dancing is the only sport that I occasionally watch on television. Hopefully I can also enjoy the show a bit along with the work in the commentary booth!", commented Johanna.	�� -�� 2008. ��-�� 4� ��, �� . �� Eurotannsit ��, �� 23�� . "� �� , �� , � �� . �� , �� . �� , �� ! � �� ! � �� , �� . �� - �� , �� . ��, �� , �� ", �� .

Finnish broadcaster YLE has published short inteview with Finnish representatives at the contest. How do you feel about coming along to Eurovision Dance Contest? Maria: The invitation to the contest came as total surprise. We heard about the possibility to get in on Eurovision Dance Contest only on the final day of Strictly Come Dancing, but in the middle of all that hassle it sounded entirely absurd. However, now we are very excited about this opportunity. We�re looking forward to the forthcoming contest and the performances of other contestants very much. Mikko: It is great to get in to such a big event to represent one�s own country. Did you watch the Eurovision Dance Contest on television last year? What kind of impression did you get about the contest? Maria: Yes we did! In a way this contest is a continuum to the Eurovision Song Contest except for in the Dance Contest every contestant shares the same non-verbal language. I think the idea of the contest is ingenious! Mikko: Last year the contest was also quite rich in nuances, because there was great deal of variety among the dancing couples. Finnish won the Eurovision Dance Contest last year � does this create any pressure on you? Maria: Since the rules changed they wiped the slate clean. We�ll naturally be in it 100% and put our all into a game. Most of all this will be a magnificent experience and great honour for us. Mikko: We�re not going to have any strain on us about anything else than our own dance and that it goes well. What is your "secret weapon" in the Eurovision Dance Contest? Maria: To give ourselves completely to the dance� Mikko: �is how we will pursue to disarm all the other contestants!	�� . �� , �� ? ��: �� . �� , �� , �� . ��, �� , �� . �� . ��: �� , �� . �� ? �� ? ��: ��! � �� , �� , �� . � ��, �� ! ��: �� . �� - �� ? ��: �� , �� , �� . �� 100%. �� . ��: �� -��, �� , � ��, �� . �� "�� "? ��: �� ... ��: �� !
YLE will present the couple in special Eurotanssit 2008 show, which will be aired on 23rd of August on YLE 2. The contest itself will be broadcasted live on the same channel on 6th of September.	�� YLE �� Eurotanssit 2008, �� 23�� YLE2. �� 6�� .

Finland at Eurovision Dance Contest 2008 ������������ ����������� 2008 (original) (raw)

Finland at Eurovision Dance Contest 2008 �� 2008 (original) (raw)