The world's first Sami dance center opened its doors

The former museum in Vuollerim has been empty for ten years. Now it has come to life with the opening of the world's first Sami dance center – Jillat. The place where people have lived for ten thousand years will now become a place for artistic encounters, learning and exploration.

Jillat means glitter in Lule Sami. The Sami Dance Center is the vision of dancer and choreographer Liv Aira. In just over a year, it has taken shape in the premises that previously housed an archaeological museum.

The inauguration took place on November 15-16. Decision-makers, dancers and dance promoters, local residents and Sami cultural practitioners from all over Sápmi came to the rounded wooden building with large windows, surrounded by pine trees and the Lule River.

Last year's Rubus Arcticus scholarship recipient Liv Aira is the driving force behind Jillat. Photo: Tor Tuorda.

– During my studies, we were given an assignment to reflect on the future, ten years ahead. As a 22-year-old, it felt incredibly far ahead. But I imagined a house, it had a round shape, made of wood. It would be located in Jokkmokk municipality, not far from central Jokkmokk, surrounded by the forest and the river. Here we are now, said Liv Aira.

Dance art and music

The participants in the inauguration were treated to four hours of performing arts. They were led through different rooms, indoors and outdoors. They gathered around the fire and experienced various dance pieces, videos and music.  

The visitors wandered between stations where they encountered Sami culture and art. Photo: Tor Tuorda

“Sami foundation”

The idea is to have collaborations with artists from Sápmi and Norrbotten, not just dancers.

 – It is a Sami foundation we are building here in this house. Here the Sami languages ​​will be spoken, we will gather around the fire. Here we take care of each other, here all Sami artists are given the opportunity to express their art without being judged, said Liv Aira.

Norrbotten Region has contributed project support to Jillat. 

–The Sami dance center will be an important addition to our region. It promotes the conditions for dance in Norrbotten, both as a meeting place and a place for creation. Jillat strengthens the opportunities for Sami and regional practitioners to work in Norrbotten, says Rebecka Strand, dance consultant at Region Norrbotten.

The venue that is now Jillat has been visited by many people from Norrbotten to learn about their history. Now it will become a place where new memories are created.

Municipal councilor Henrik Blind with dancer and choreographer Liv Aira. Photo: Tor Tuorda

– For Jokkmokk, for Sápmi, this is an invaluable gift. Jillat will be a safe place where our hearts can be opened, stories shared and relationships deepened, said Henrik Blind, municipal councilor in Jokkmokk municipality, in connection with the inauguration.