High-flying start of term launches the academic year

On the afternoon of Tuesday 1 September, new and returning students and staff gathered on Valhallavägen for this year’s welcome ceremony. The joy and expectations were through the roof.

With a packed programme showcasing all the artistic specialisations SKH has to offer, new students got off to a flying start. But the person who perhaps soared the highest of all was Vice-Chancellor Ellen Røed, who was hoisted up in a harness above the students’ heads. From her elevated position, she spoke of the university as an ecosystem:

‘You all bring a unique perspective into this ecosystem. Over the coming years you will develop your artistic practice that will build on that unique perspective and you will do so by developing skills and understanding  in collaboration and dialogue, by making, by practicing, art,’ said Ellen Røed in her speech.

Everyone else also had the chance to hang out – at least in a figurative sense – as the speech was followed by a social gathering (featuring sound art installations, VR headsets and a meet-and-greet with the student union), as well as a taste of the various art forms created by SKH’s students. We extend a warm welcome to all new and returning students! Aim for the stars and dare to fly high!

The flying vice-chancellor drew amused reactions from the audience. All photos: Johan Palme/SKH

The students met with the student union, took photos in the photo booth, and were given tote bags by the Communications Department.

Students from the Bachelor’s Programme in Mime Acting presented the performance LOSS, based on an exercise in working in duets opposite each other.

Florian Roth and Aleksi Matilainen from the Bachelor's programme in Circus put on a delicate handstand performance set to music.

Students from the Bachelor's programme in Dance performed an excerpt from their production Up Up Up, with choreography by BamBam Frost.

EA completely different, more improvised dance atmosphere was created by students on the Bachelor’s Programme in Dance Pedagogy and the Teacher Education Programme in Dance, who, led by David Chatchai Rasrisut, performed their Fowkus & Alekzios freestyle show.

One of the best things about the start of term is that all students get to meet each other across different subjects and get to know one another.