X TARTU FOLK

Ratilio

Lithuania

Vilius Marma

Vilniuse Ülikooli folkloorirühma Ratilio liikmed on pärit erinevatest Leedu piirkondadest. Nende repertuaari kuuluvad laulud, tantsud ja ringmängud on õpitud folkloorikogumikest ja ekspeditsioonidel kohatud kaasmaalastelt. Nende esituses kõlavad arhailised pillid nagu ragai (sarved), daudytė, skudučiai (paaniflööt) ja kanklė (5-9-keelne kannel) ja nende repertuaaris on tähtis osa mitmehäälsel polüfoonilisel laulul sutartinėl. Ratilio on Leedu pärimuskultuuri tutvustanud nii kodu- kui välismaal. Ratilio asutati 1968. aastal ja sellest alates on rühma endistest ja praegustest liikmetest tekkinud kogukond, kes olenemata oma erinevatest tegevusvaldkondadest uhkusega Ratilio perekonda kuuluvad.

14th of November, 18.00 – Luunja Community Celebration at the Luunja Cultural and Leisure Centre
15th of November, 16.00 – The gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
15th of November, 19.30 – The festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
16th of November, 12.00 – The final concert of the festival at the bridge area of the Estonian National Museum

Teikas Muzikanti

Latvia

Katrīna Feldmane

Teikas Muzikanti is a folk music ensemble whose members have been playing together since their teenage years – nearly 20 years now. Latvian dances, songs, festivities, and holidays are a part of their lifestyle, something they are always devoted to sharing with others. One of the group's aims is to show just how lively and exciting the heritage of the past can still be in the 21st century. Their instruments include the kokle, violin, accordion, flute, and mandolin. The ensemble continues to gather in Riga's Teika district, where they all once lived together. This is also where the group got their name – Teikas Muzikanti – the musicians of Teika. Most of the members, however, have roots in the Vidzeme region of central Latvia, and hence at performances they wear folk costumes originating from various parts and villages of Vidzeme.



14th of November, 18.00 – Võnnu community celebration at the Võnnu Cultural Centre
15th of November, 16.00 – The gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
15th of November, 19.30 – The festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
16th of November, 12.00 – The final concert of the festival at the bridge area of the Estonian National Museum

Philochoros & V-Dala spelmanslag

Sweden

Oskar Bremer

Philochoros was founded as a student folk dance organisation in 1880, and it is the oldest folk dance organisation in Sweden. The name is interpreted as ”a love to dance”. In its early days, the organisation made several trips to find and preserve historical dances, and did many stage performances that were very popular. In the beginning, all members were male students, so half of them dressed up in traditional women’s clothing for the dances. Today the group focuses more on social dances and welcomes everyone to dance with them. Everyone is welcome to dance in any role they want, dressing how they want.

V-Dala spelmanslag was founded in the late 1960s as a student organisation and has focused on playing Nordic folk music, both traditional and new. The organisation has been a vivid part of student life in Uppsala from the start and has had several prominent musicians as members throughout the years. Every year many concerts and social events are organised. Everyone is welcome to join and play both traditional and modern instruments.

Both organisations have collaborated more and more over the last few years, connected by their love for folk music and folk dancing in playful and fun ways.


14th of November, 18.00 – Luunja Community Celebration at the Luunja Cultural and Leisure Centre
15th of November, 16.00 – The gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
15th of November, 19.30 – The festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
16th of November, 12.00 – The final concert of the festival at the bridge area of the Estonian National Museum

Jumšan Gur

Estonia (Udmurt)

Dmitry Denisov, Inga Ignatieva, Irina Reshetnikova

The ensemble Jumšan Gur was first founded in 2006 by Udmurts living in Tartu, however the members of the group have already been coming together since 1996. The name Jumšan Gur translates as "party tune". The group's repertoire consists mainly of Southern Udmurt traditional songs and dances. The ensemble's main goals include introducing their unique Udmurt culture to local Estonians, as well as preserving said culture by passing it onto their children.
As Jumšan Gur themselves said: "Here in Estonia, we feel most Udmurt when we come together – singing Udmurt songs, dancing, baking perepetš or making dumplings. Every gathering is a small celebration that gives us strength to carry on."


14th of November, 18.00 – Tartu Community Celebration at the Tiigi Seltsimaja
15th of November, 16.00 – The gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
15th of November, 19.30 – The festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
16th of November, 12.00 – The final concert of the festival at the bridge area of the Estonian National Museum

Leesikad

Estonia (Pakri Islands)

Kristiina Siig

Leesikad is a versatile dance ensemble from the Tallinn French Lyceum, that houses a special passion for studying and sharing the dance culture of the Pakri Islands. On the Swedish-speaking Pakri Islands, archaic dance forms survived longer than on the Estonian mainland. However, in the early 20th century, the islands also embraced new European dance fashions as well as newer folk dance traditions. The combination of these varied dance forms resulted in a truly unique and multilayered dance culture which the ensemble delights in exploring and bringing to life.
Leesikad has been active since 2005. The ensemble consists of more than 200 dancers, including first-graders, alumni, parents and has even formed its own musical group.
Leesikad prides itself on their grasp of Estonian folk dances through continuously learning about them and showcasing them - the group is particularly fond of introducing Estonian folk dance culture at foreign festivals. The group also performs original arranged folklore dances and participates in dance festivals.
The artistic director of the ensemble is Kristiina Siig, and the teachers are Hedvig Haarde, Karel Johannes Vähi, Emilia Heil and Katariina Nelli Tiisler.


14th of November, 18.00 – Võnnu Community Celebration at the Võnnu Cultural Centre
15th of November, 16.00 – The gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
15th of November, 19.30 – The festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
16th of November, 12.00 – The final concert of the festival at the bridge area of the Estonian National Museum

Folklore Club Maatasa

Estonia

Halliki Pihlap, Helin Pihlap

Folklore Club Maatasa first formed in 2013 and introduces the heritage of South Estonia (particularly Tartu County) in its numerous forms: songs, dances, instrumental tunes, folk tales, games, costumes, and more. The group's repertoire includes both older and newer dances, runosongs, and love songs from the early 20th century. Maatasa consists of nearly 40 members, all of whom both sing, dance, and play an instument. The name Maatasa has a double meaning: on one hand, it refers to being "close to the ground", symbolising the group's desire to return to their roots and present folklore in its most authentic form; on the other, it can also mean "to the dust", reflecting their freedom to reinterpret songs and tunes according to their own creative vision.


15th of November, 16.00 – The gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
15th of November, 19.30 – The festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
16th of November, 12.00 – The final concert of the festival at the bridge area of the Estonian National Museum

Tantsutallad

Estonia

Uve Saar

The dance group Tantsutallad was founded 28 years ago under the initiative of Uve Saar, the newly appointed head of extracurricular activities and dance teacher at Hugo Treffner Gymnasium. In its first year, the group consisted of only three boys and five girls. From those beginnings, it has now grown into six groups with about 100 active dancers and a large community of alumni. Among the folk dance groups for high school students in Tartu, Tantsutallad is the only one that has developed into a full-fledged dance ensemble and a non-profit organisation. The ensemble has taken part in every national youth dance festival in Tallinn, as well as in Tartu song and dance festivals, and in three Estonian Men's Dance Festivals in Rakvere. In addition, they have participated in joint Estonian-Finnish dance festivals in Helsinki (2000), Tartu (2005), and Tampere (2012), as well as numerous international folk dance festivals in Latvia, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, France, Spain, Italy, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

15th of November, 16.00 – The gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Folk Dance Ensemble of Tartu University

Estonia

Aveli Asber, Mae Viires

The Folk Dance Ensemble of Tartu University was founded in 1945, when the already existing folk dance groups of the faculties were united under the leadership of Ilmar Reidla, a forestry student. 1953. In 1953, the group joined the Tartu Teachers' Institute, and for the next 25 years Helju Mikkel became the artistic director of the ensemble. Her dances "Vanaisa polka", "Otsapandjatse", "Sõlesepad", "Kullaketrajad" and others belong in the treasure trove of Estonian dances and are also in the repertoire of the ensemble. From 1978 to 2002, the ensemble was led by Henn Tiivel, whose "Sangaste Jussi armulugu" is still often found in their performance programmes. Since 2005, the artistic director of the ensemble has been Aveli Asber, whose best-known dance is "Kuhaanuška".
Today, the Folk Dance Ensemble of TU consists of six mixed groups, two women's groups and four children's groups, coached by Mae Viires, Kärt Vuks, Margit Metsla-Rebane and Vilja Vendelin-Reigo, in addition to Aveli.
As is customary for folk dance groups, the Folk Dance Ensemble of TU also participates in larger and smaller dance festivals. An annual tradition is the spring concert, where all the ensemble's groups perform.
Their younger mixed group takes part in the Tartu Folk Festival.

15th of November, 16.00 – The gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Tarbatu

Estonia

Kristel Maruste

The Estonian University of Life Sciences folk dance ensemble Tarbatu is a vibrant and tradition-rich dance ensemble in Tartu whose roots date back to 1951. At the end of this season, the ensemble will celebrate its 75-year dance journey with a grand anniversary concert. Over the decades, Tarbatu has been led by many passionate instructors, and has grown into a well-known representative of Estonian folk dance culture. Since 2022, Kristel Maruste has been serving as Tarbatu’s artistic director.
Careful attention is paid to the origins and narratives behind the dances – this helps the dancers fill the entire space with the unfolding story, centering the audience. On the other hand, Tarbatu fosters new creations and presents new dances by its instructors every year. Tarbatu is more than just a dance group – it is a living part of Estonian folk heritage where folk dance and youthful energy bring people together.

15th of November, 16.00 – The gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Triskel

Estonia

Kelli Kärsna

The Tartu Vocational College folk dance ensemble Triskel is a Tartu-based folk dance group that cherishes good dancing and spending time together. We are a friendly community from different walks of life, united by our passion for dance and friendship. Our repertoire includes traditional folk dances as well as new creations by choreographers.

15th of November, 16.00 – The gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Vassakule

Estonia

Maire Jürgel, Minna Presmann, Meelika Kaarna, Kertu Kaarna

2010. The Estonian Defence Forces Academy Dance Ensemble Vassakule, founded in 2010, has three mixed dance groups and one women’s group. Our dancers are mainly energetic young people, who are instructed by Maire Jürgel and Minna Presmann (mixed groups) and Meelika Kaarna and Kertu Kaarna (women’s group).

15th of November, 19.30 – The festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Röntyskä

Estonia (Ingrian Finns)

Juha-Matti Aronen, Merje Malkki

The folklore group Röntyskä operates in Tartu under the Ingrian Finnish Society. Over the part couple of decades, we have studied the dance traditions known from Ingria and shared them with interested audiences, both in performances and dance workshops. In addition to dance and song, we have made our own folk costumes, visited villages in Ingria to trace the memories of our ancestors, and tried, as much as possible, to participate in the life of the Ingrian Finnish community in Estonia.
Currently, in addition to members of Ingrian Finnish origin, the group also includes those who have been drawn to the uniqueness of Ingrian dances and have shared their time and joy with us. After all, dancing is always more enjoyable when there are more of us, both dancers and musicians.
The name of the group comes from the röntyskä song-dances, well-known in North Ingria.

14th of November, 18.00 – Tartu Community Celebration at the Tiigi Seltsimaja

The Tartu group of Leigarid

Estonia

Leaanika Parra, Tuuli Torop, Katariina Nelli Tiisler, Sille Kapper-Tiisler

The Estonian Folklore Society Leigarid has been active in Estonia's folklore scene since 1969, based in Tallinn. Their repertoire includes songs and dances that were once dear to their ancestors. By learning from the example of older generations, traditional dance, song, play, and folk costumes become a habitual part of life, and it is not easily, or willingly, given up. Thus, in the autumn of 2021, the dancers who moved to Tartu for their studies formed the Tartu branch of Leigarid, aiming to continue the lifestyle they had grown accustomed to (including regular dance practices) together with old friends and new companions alike. Today, Leigarid has two mixed dance groups and a singing-instrumental group operating in Tartu.
Photo by Raul Rosin.
Photo by Raul Rosin

14th of November, 18.00 – Tartu Community Celebration at the Tiigi Seltsimaja
15th of November, 19.30 – The festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Dance Group Pikne

Estonia

Raul Markus Vaiksoo

Dance Group Pikne began as the youth organisation YFU's dance group in 2017. In this brief time, there have been dancers from Germany as well as Japan but the folk dances have remained Estonian. 2019. In 2019 the group took a new name: "Pikne" ("lightning") meaning an aspiration towards sharp and precise dance steps, but also representing the flashes of thought on the intertwining of folklore and classics-based stage dance.

15th of November, 16.00 – The gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Härmatise vilistlasrühm

Estonia

Agnes Tuule Nöps, Oliver Kiho

Härmatis is the folk dance group of the Miina Härma Gümnaasium which got a new lease of life in 2012 under teacher Anita Kreen. The Härmatis alumni group was founded in 2022 when the latest graduates of the Miina Härma Gümnaasium decided to take part in the XIII Youth Dance Celebration. In addition to the Youth Dance Celebration, they also took part in the Võru County and Elva dance celebrations. What makes the Härmatis alumni group special is that the instructors also dance as a part of the group.

15th of November, 16.00 – The gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Nadiia

Estonia (Ukrainan)

Janika Oras

The Tartu Ukrainian folk singing group Nadiia (Hope) came together in 2022, shortly after the start of the war, to sing Ukrainian folk songs, support Ukraine through song, and keep hope in their hearts. We perform exciting multi-voiced songs from different regions of Ukraine, alongside beloved traditional repertoire.

14th of November, 18.00 – Tartu Community Celebration at the Tiigi Seltsimaja

Väike Hellero

Estonia

Janika Oras

Väike Hellero (Little Hellero) is already a 30-year-old song community for whom singing runosongs is a natural part of life. We continue the traditions of Hellero, performing both Estonian and Seto runic songs, and always gladly include songs from other Finno-Ugric peoples in our repertoire.

14th of November, 18.00 – Tartu Community Celebration at the Tiigi Seltsimaja

Klopandi

Estonia

Diana Tarto

The women's ensemble Klopandi has been together since the autumn of 1978, making them the oldest folk culture collective in Luunja municipality. The ensemble performs both traditional and choreographed dances. On several occasions, the group has had the joy of partaking in the creation process of dances dedicated to the ensembles, which they deem most special. Their favourite dance event is the Estonian Women’s Dance Festival. In 2025, they participated in the XXI Estonian Dance Festival “Iseoma”, for which they were coached by one of their very own dancers. Since the autumn of 2025, the group has been led by Diana Tarto. 2025. aasta sügisest juhendab meid Diana Tarto.


14th of November, 18.00 – Luunja Community Celebration at the Luunja Cultural and Leisure Centre

Trambali

Estonia

Elen Rebane

Luunja’s folk dance society, Trambali, took its first dance steps together in 2012. The name Trambali comes from the South Estonian dialect – "trambalit lööma" (to beat the trambal) meaning “to dance.” The group wears folk costumes from the Tartu-Maarja parish when performing at local song and dance festivals as well as national celebrations. The ensemble has also participated in international folklore festivals in Estonia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. In addition to dancing, the group is bound by a deep friendship and frequently organizes sports events and recreational family activities together, such as hikes in all seasons, competitions, dance gatherings, and more.


14th of November, 18.00 – Luunja Community Celebration at the Luunja Cultural and Leisure Centre

Alamakstud Härrad

Estonia

Romet Allingu, Brett Hiiob

The ensemble Alamakstud Härrad (Underpaid Gentlemen) is a duo full of joy and authenticity. The gentlemen perform older dance tunes and songs. Their repertoire includes the hits of the past learned from the songbooks of our ancestors. Their performance exudes the charm and tenderness of men’s singing tradition, spontaneity, and a humorous, direct approach to the audience and music.
Members:
Romet Allingu – diatonic accordion, accordion, 1st soprano
Brett Hiiob – violin, 2nd soprano


14th of November, 18.00 – Luunja Community Celebration at the Luunja Cultural and Leisure Centre

Kaera-Marid

Estonia

Viivika Kook

The Võnnu women's group Kaera-Marid is celebrating its 30th anniversary! They have danced and pranced just about everywhere: Võnnu, Tallinn - not so bad; Tartu, Põlva - just as rad. They've danced on sand, on grass, on the street, and even on pine-needle sheets.


14th of November, 18.00 – Võnnu Community Celebration at the Võnnu Cultural Centre

Kaaruskrapp

Estonia

Viivika Kook

The mixed folk dance group Kaaruskrapp from Võnnu is starting its 9th season! The ensemble consists of a fun group of dancers who have performed on both sides of the Emajõgi River.


14th of November, 18.00 – Võnnu Community Celebration at the Võnnu Cultural Centre

Wenden

Estonia

Viivika Kook

Wenden is a grandmothers' dance group from Võnnu who have the joy of dance in their feet and hearts.

14th of November, 18.00 – Võnnu Community Celebration at the Võnnu Cultural Centre

Hää miil

Estonia

Elen Rebane

Hää miil brings together two Kastre county musicians - Raul Roosiväli (Estonian diatonic accordion) and Kalle Vassila (kannel). The duo’s repertoire includes folk songs and instrumental pieces, accompanied by a genuine and cosy sense of humour. The duo has been bringing joy to people for nearly 15 years! When asked why the band is called “Hää miil” (good mood), the men have always replied that it’s because their mood is good.


14th of November, 18.00 – Võnnu Community Celebration at the Võnnu Cultural Centre

Tartu Dance Club

Estonia

Tartu Dance Club is one of the oldest dance clubs in Estonia and certainly one of the most vibrant. Its core focus is the village dance music of Estonia from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 2024. Since 2024, the coordinator of the dance club is Mia Ruus.

15th of November, 19.30 – The festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Youth group of the Folklore Club Maatasa

Estonia

Halliki Pihlap

Tartu Folklore Club Maatasa is mainly engaged in the study of South Estonian folklore in various fields: songs, dances, instrumental music. The youth group brings together enthusiasts aged 10-17, with nearly 20 friends gathering regularly, all of whom have opened their hearts to folklore and invite everyone to sing and dance with them.

14th of November, 18.00 – Tartu Community Celebration at the Tiigi Seltsimaja

Luunja lasterühm

Estonia

Liis Tenno

The Luunja children's group was founded in 2025, and it currently includes 21 bright-eyed primary schoolers (years 1-3). Dance practices are full of joy, playfulness, and dance.

14th of November, 18.00 – Luunja Community Celebration at the Luunja Cultural and Leisure Centre

Regina Mänd

Estonia

Regina Mänd is a versatile folk musician, violinist, teacher, and composer, who is inspired by both the pure and honest playing style of village musicians from centuries ago and the flashes of clarity and recognition of similarities that arise in cross-genre collaborations.

Café Stage at 19.30-00.00 at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

KARMOŠKAÄSSAD

Estonia

The garmoshka group KARMOŠKAÄSSAD (Garmoshka Aces) of the dance and culture club MODUS grew out of the Seto culture club and was named after the maiden name of the first player's great-grandmother. The ensemble consists of, as in a game of cards, 1-4 aces or garmoshka players, of whom three take to the festival stage: Kerla Kalm, Oskar Harry Hazlehurst, and Ando Temmo Torm. The repertoire includes songs from traditional to pop music – everything that can be played with a garmoshka. A major part of the stories is of Seto origin.

Café Stage at 19.30-00.00 at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Sirgutii

Estonia

Sirgutii (Linnutee or "milky way" in the Tartu dialect) is a united group of fun folk musicians whose songs include older dance tunes and folk songs from different parts of Estonia and the neighbouring countries. The band consists of Mare Lillak (accordion, vocals), Andriela Rääbis (flute, vocals), Ingrid Vinn (double bass, vocals), and Anti Lillak (acoustic guitar, vocals).

15th of November, 19.30 – The Café Stage at the Vanamuine Concert Hall



Café Stage at 19.30-00.00 at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Karoliina and Jürgen

Estonia

Karoliina ja Jürgen on kaks noort rahvamuusikut Tapa vallast. Pilli mängimisega on mõlemad tegelenud 8 aastat, praegugi õpivad veel Tapa Muusika- ja Kunstikoolis pärimusmuusika erialal. Karoliina mängib eesti lõõtsa ja karmoškat, Jürgen mängib mandoliini ja kitarri. Pärimusmuusika armastusel on oluline roll mõlema noore muusiku arenguloos ja seega on ehe pärimusmuusika tähtsal kohal kollektiivi repertuaaris. Noored on öelnud, et just sellise muusikaga suudavad nad edasi anda enda emotsioone ning pakkuda rahvale head ja veel paremat tantsumuusikat.

Café Stage at 19.30-00.00 at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Näppepildurid

Estonia

Tapa muusika- ja kunstikooli näppepildurid on vahva punt noori, kes alustasid oma särisevat koosmängu 2022. aastal. Mängitakse erinevaid pärimuslikke palasid kodumaalt ja kaugemalt. Koosseisu kuuluvad Tapa MKK muusikaosakonna praegused ja ka vilistlase kraadiga näppepillimängijad õpetaja Tanel Sakritsa juhendamisel. Lisaks on koosseisus juba ka noori multiinstrumentaliste, niiet üllatusi juhtub alati kindlasti. Rõõmsate kohtumisteni!

15th of November, 19.30 – The festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Õed-vennad Ristikheinad Vähendatud Koosseisus

Estonia

Õed-Vennad Ristikheinad Vähendatud Koosseisus is a group of musicians who describe themselves as the following: "Õed-Vennad Ristikheinad is a musical ensemble that highlights intimate and heartwarming sounds. Their music speaks of love, family, and the beauty of nature, and creates a special and pleasant feeling in the listeners. The ensemble consists of two talented siblings who share a love for music. Their name "Ristikheinad" mirrors their roots and their connection to nature. Although the ensemble is reduced in size, the resulting sound quality and emotional power are not left behind at all. The band members have studied music since their early childhood and have improved their skills over the years. Their harmonic harmonies and precise playing are amazing and reflect their dedication to music. The ensemble has given numerous concerts in Estonia as well as internationally and their music has found a place in the hearts of many music lovers. Their performances are always highly anticipated events where people get to enjoy beautiful music and create emotional connections. The ensemble's intimate and heartfelt approach to music leaves the listeners with a warm and satisfying impression. Be it in concert, on record, or listening on a streaming platform.
Various instruments are played by Kristjan Häggblom and Renee Trei.