Sami Saikkonen was supposed to make his return to the stage already this coming fall, but the dance performance was moved to 2024.
Among other things, known as a dancer and choreographer Sami Saikkonen, 56, had a serious plane crash last September. A two-seater experimental plane crashed in Hyvinkää after Saikkonen’s good friend had a seizure while piloting the plane.
The accident resulted in the death of the pilot. In addition to the loss of his friend, Saikkonen was injured in the situation and suffers from chronic pain. His face has had to be operated after the accident.
However, the recovery process has gone well considering the circumstances. Saikkonen returned to the cockpit only about half a year after the accident.
– I have recovered well. Flight work continues. There are no traumas on that side. The sky is still as wonderful as before. Peer support from people who have been in similar situations has helped a lot, Saikkonen says in an interview with Iltalehti.
Return to the stage
Saikkonen said earlier that he is no longer able to practice the activity he loves, dancing. The back, worn out by a long career, took even more hits in the accident.
Saikkonen reached an important milestone in his rehabilitation when he returned to the sky on the sticks of an airplane. Now a return to the stage is also on the horizon.
Sami Saikkonen’s recovery process has progressed like a model. Sami Saikkonen
– Dance has come up in my mind constantly lately. Now I’ve kind of rediscovered it. In the same way as when I fell in love with it as a 17-year-old boy, Saikkonen is happy.
Saikkonen reveals that he is currently planning a solo work for KoKoTeatter in Hakaniemi. The dance performance was supposed to see the light of day in the coming fall, but the stage reservation was postponed to spring 2024 due to another artist’s change in work situation.
The content of the show is still a mystery even to Saikkonen himself.
– Training has slowly started so that I could dance it for about half an hour. I’ve had to adjust my exercise habits a bit anyway. You can no longer go to the gym to rip at full speed with tremendous power, but, for example, walking is enough.
Returning to dance has been emotional.
– There is some incredible magic in that. The audience unmovedly follows the performers, who are able to create an incredible show with their performances without words. There are great powers in dance – it is very deep and compelling.
Saikkonen’s face had to be operated on after the plane crash. Photo from 2021. Matti Matikainen
When asked about the rust caused by the forced break and the physical limitations that followed the accident, Saikkonen reminds us of the current realities.
– Probably no one expects anything from me at this age anyway Atte Kilpinen excerpts. Then you can visit him separately, good-natured Saikkonen laughs.
Perspective
As expected, the terrifying experience left a mark not only on the physical side but also mentally. The appreciation towards loved ones, which was already present before, has risen to an even higher level as a result of the tragic accident.
– The importance of friends has been emphasized even more. Random messaging has turned into active seeing and doing things. I can’t handle any bullshit at this point in my life. For example, arguing and nagging is a complete waste of time, says Saikkonen.
Saikkonen hopes that there will be normal days ahead. Photo from 2021. Matti Matikainen
Saikkonen says that during his life he has lost numerous friends in motorcycle accidents, for example. Although he reminds us of the fragility of life, according to his view, fear should not be given too big a role in one’s life.
– It is completely normal to be afraid of things, but you must not fall under the power of fear. If you fall off the horse, you just have to get back up. “You have to dare to jump, so you’re not just a rich man,” he writes Astrid Lingdren in his book My brother Lionheart. Life must be enjoyed here and now.
– That’s also why I’ve gone a little too hard in the eyes of others. My life today is more three-dimensional than what happened before, Saikkonen continues.
In addition to the dance performance, Saikkonen will be seen next year in the Dance Brothers series produced by Netflix and Yle. Saikkonen’s wish for the coming year is simple.
– Difficult topics such as Corona and war have been on everyone’s lips for a long time. As Edu Kettunen sings in the song Regular dayI’m sure, like many others, that there would be normal days ahead.