This year’s dance event at Åsa has all the makings of something special. Not only the music, the energy, the atmosphere – Back to the Woods 2025 is also a heartfelt tribute to 20 years of street dance in Sköldinge.

It all began in 2004, when the school’s then management launched a previously untested folk high school course – in street dance.

The programme was something of a gamble in many respects. But action was needed to counter the declining number of residents in Åsa’s boarding school, which at its lowest point was barely a third full.

First target group
The one-year course was launched with the aim of giving participants a solid foundation in the various techniques of street dance. But pedagogy, methodology, anatomy and nutrition were also on the timetable. Teachers with close ties to the hiphop culture were brought in.

The original idea was to appeal especially to young immigrant men who didn’t feel entirely at home in other dance settings. At Åsa, they would have the chance to realise themselves and their passion for dance – together with like-minded people, in a new environment.

Throwback to the woods
The intended target group didn’t turn up in large numbers. But plenty of others did.

The boarding school filled up, and as the programme developed, it gained an excellent international reputation. Today, young street dancers come from all over the world to further their skills in Sköldinge.

This week, auditions are being held with more than 85 applicants for the coming academic year. In connection with this, the school’s dance students are hosting their annual festival Back to the Woods from 2–4 May.
This year’s theme is “Throwback to the Woods”, celebrating the programme’s 20th anniversary.

A nostalgic journey
– The response looks great. We think extra many people will come this year, since it’s going to be a real nostalgic journey. It starts in 2004 and moves through the years up to the present – and what we believe is the future of the programme, says Ida Sanchez Hillborg from the Five Styles course.

As usual, the students of this course – divided into working groups – are the organisers of the event.

– So far everything has gone really well. We’re a very driven team that works well together, Ida adds.

Plenty of familiar faces
The festivities kick off on the evening of Friday 2 May and continue throughout the weekend. The days are packed with music, workshops, a clothes swap, live DJs, a photo exhibition, party mingling – and of course loads of dancing, with Saturday’s battle as the highlight.

All judges and DJs are either current or former students. Returning alumni include, for instance, Mimmi Mollgren, David “Fowkus” Rigo and Rebecca “Rebobo” Livaniou.

– On the Friday, we’re also holding a panel discussion – among other things about how Åsa has influenced the dance scene in Sweden and internationally. I’m sure we’ll also talk about life in the very special ‘Åsa bubble’, says Ida Sanchez Hillborg.

Text: Henrik Wising

Back to the Woods is for pre-registered participants only. However, there will be limited opportunities for the public to attend, for example at Saturday’s All Style Battle in Åsa’s dance hall. See the full programme on Instagram: @asafolkhogskoladance.