Småland Massive is a platform for unique dance experiences across Småland and Öland . Our goal is to open audiences to new sounds, motions and communities through accessible and dynamic dance events. We focus on shaping environments that both comfort and energize guests, giving them space to let loose and dance in any way they need. From konsthalls to rural barns, secret towers to city squares, our projects span a wide range of event locations and experiences. See the menu for more details on some of our recent projects.
Keep updated at:
https://www.instagram.com/smaland.massive
Current Dance Event Series: Frekvenser
https://www.instagram.com/frek.venser
Why Dance?
Since our first event in 2024, Småland Massive has grown into a project that creates dance experiences for the forgotten dancers, and those who forgot that they needed to dance. It is hard to just go out and dance freely in Småland, especially to anything besides pop and rock music. When you do, it is hard to let go and feel like you can explore your body and emotions. Often this is not helped by venues that seem to focus more on alcohol sales than making guests feel like they can be themselves.
I believe a good dance experience should be like going to see a visual art exhibition: it should be a space to experience musical works of art, explore them with our bodies and minds, in a nonverbal dialogue with other dancers. My work for the last 5 years as an exhibition designer and producer for The Glass Factory has helped me see the missing attention to audience experience at most dances and concerts. Småland Massive dance events use a mix of artistic language and exhibition design techniques to confront these challenges. By giving music and dance the support of visual, sculptural, and social art techniques, a new type of immersive cultural experience can be created.
Our first event in 2024 at Vaxjo Konsthall used a maze of video installations and an audio guide to slowly acclimatize visitors, one by one, till they emerged at the dance floor. Our latest event on Larmtorget in Kalmar used a custom made “screen” sculpture to transform the exposed stage into an intimate gathering. The 4 meters tall and 18m wide wide arc of wood and neon fabrics cut across the square, both drawing in curious visitors from blocks away with and sheltering those who dared to dance in public.
The events are not dance classes or workshops, but simply a dance floor for dancing as you wish and a relaxing area for meeting other like minded locals. The dance events are focused on three qualities: Accessibility, audio experience, and immersive environments. A majority of the events are alcohol free and occur in the afternoon or early evening, making it accessible for all ages. Every one who comes is introduced to our safety policy, which focuses on care and acceptance for all. Events tickets are on a sliding scale, where guests pay what they can afford. Each event features high quality audio at concert levels, to give dancers a bodily feeling of the music that is not usually present at smaller dance events. We work with local and international djs that focus on contemporary and experimental international dance music, making our events a rarity, as our region is dominated by Scandinavian pop music. Last but not least, I believe that the dancefloor environment is almost as important as the music. A lot of effort is put into creating an immersive experience that takes dancers out of the everyday and allows them to focus on the music and letting their body dance freely. Working as a museum exhibition designer and builder since 2021 has given me the skills to create a world that welcomes in dancers, making them feel comfortable, taken care of, and open to new experiences.
Our region is underserved in the area of contemporary electronic music. There is a healthy music scene surrounding pop music and rock music. These genres are present in many formats, like local club events, foreignings, festivals, and dance schools. The few contemporary electronic music events that do run are all at small bars that cater more towards late nights of drinking and dating than dancing. This setting is not comfortable for most people over 35, meaning they don’t see any chances to simply go out and dance. People just stop dancing when they get older.
Starting in 2024, Smaland Massive has been exploring alternative venues and formats in which to host dancing events, with the goal of catering to a much wider audience. This has included 4 events at art museums, 4 events at a countryside eventspace on Öland, 2 events at a private music studio in Kalmar, and one large outdoor dance day on Larmtorget in Kalmar. These events have gathered an audience group that is energetic, ready to dance, and open for social connection.
– We saw upwards of 50 people at each of our Kalmar Konstmuseum and Växjö Konsthall events. The museum events were alcohol free, allowing for a great family experience for all-ages. We had families with three generations of dancers all on the floor together.
– Our Öland and Kalmar events called “Ferkvenser” have grown to over 30 people. Typically half folkhogskola and university students, and half locals aged 30-70. These more regular events have become the core of our dancing community. A place for curious people who don’t feel welcome at Krögers, Söderport, or Vallen dance events but have a hunger for dance experiences.
– Our dance day on Larmtorget in Kalmar called “Dance Oasis” brought out over 65 dancers to learn new dance moves at 4 unique workshops from local dance schools and organizations. I built a special sculptural “screen” to divide up the square and make a more welcoming space. The goal was to take away some of the social pressure of being watched, but still enjoying the special experience of being on the stage in Larmtorget! We had an energetic and happy group of dancers, ages 15-75, on one of the hottest days of the year.
The majority demographic over all of our events are women aged 30-50, followed by women 20-30. It is clear that this group needs a space to dance without the pressures of a bar or the structure of a dance class. In Kalmar there is no one hosting alternative events like this. Since 2020 there have been almost no new dance night concepts introduced to Kalmar. Our events have been truly unique and refreshing experiences in the region. The positive feedback we have received at all 9 events over the last two years has given us the confidence and assurance that the demand is here. Many commented that they can’t believe that there are no other events like this, as it was a very cozy and safe place to dance and meet people. People are ready for something new. People are ready to dance together!
Max Syron 