XI TARTU FOLK 12-15 November

Ung í Dansi

Faroe Islands

Jón Rói Høgnesen

Ung í Dansi (est. 2015) is a youth dance association from the Faroe Islands, operating under the national dance association Sláið Ring. The group has members aged 12–30 from all over the country. Through the traditional Faroese chain dance, they unite youth interested in dance via various events centered around the old chain dance, traditional ballads and Faroese folk dance. Both the chain dance and newer folk dances are accompanied by old medieval ballads about love, battles, kings, vikings, princesses, politics, and more. While some ballads are of more recent origin, the oldest ones date back around 900 years.
In accordance with Faroese tradition, the traditional chain dance has not been accompanied by musical instruments. Hence, Ung í Dansi follows this rule during dance performances. However, they often have an accordion, guitar and/or fiddle player with them for singalongs and shanties. Despite being just a youth group, Ung í Dansi has won a Faroese national competition in ballad performance and dancing knowledge, while competing against all the other dancing associations.


13th of November at 18.00 Community Celebration
14th of November at 16.00 Gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
14th of November at 19.30 Festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
15th of November at 12.00 Final Concert at the bridge area of the Estonian National Museum

Dolija

Lithuania

Vilija Vaitkienė

Dolija is a vibrant youth folklore group of Vilnius Žvėrynas Gymnasium. Dolija’s repertoire consists of folklore songs, dances, and games from different ethnographic regions of Lithuania. The group's authentic costumes are inspired by 19th-century traditional Lithuanian attire. The youth folk group arranges concerts and participates actively in international festivals in countries such as Latvia, Estonia, Slovakia, North Macedonia, and Turkey. 2008. In 2008, Dolija won the award for the best youth folklore ensemble in Lithuania. It has been led by the energetic Vilija Vaitkienė for 28 years. While many generations of students have passed, Dolija’s mission remains the same: to help youth discover the richness and diversity of Lithuanian folklore.

13th of November at 18.00 Community Celebration
14th of November at 16.00 Gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
14th of November at 19.30 Festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
15th of November at 12.00 Final Concert at the bridge area of the Estonian National Museum

Skandinieki

Latvia

Julgī Stalte

The folklore group Skandinieki has been active since 1976 and is one of the pioneers of the Latvian folklore movement. Latvian and Livonian heritage is alive and constantly evolving: Skandinieki members live in harmony with these traditions, celebrating folk calendar holidays, singing, dancing, and constantly discovering and sharing new sides of their cultural heritage.
The group’s repertoire features the kokle, violins, bagpipe, flutes, drums, the monochord, and other traditional instruments. Their costumes originate from various eras and regions of Latvia, spanning from the 11th-13th centuries to the 19th-20th centuries, with regional characteristics reflecting the ancestral origins of each member. The group’s contribution to preserving Livonian heritage has been recognised with the Hamburg European Culture Prize.
For Skandinieki, heritage represents a link between the past, present, and future: “We learn about past knowledge and skills, keep them alive in the present day, and pass them on to the future generations”.

13th of November at 18.00 Community Celebration
14th of November at 16.00 Gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
14th of November at 19.30 Festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
15th of November at 12.00 Final Concert at the bridge area of the Estonian National Museum

UIJEE

Estonia / Muhu Island

Leena Peegel

Folklore group UIJEE has been active on Muhu Island since 2014 with the intetion of preserving the culture of Muhu Island and passing it on to the next generations. The main activity of the group is singing old and newer folksongs in the Muhu language and, when possible, accompanying them on small kannels, as well as playing circle games. From time to time, they also invite garmon and violin players, and children from Muhu Primary School to join them.
They search for songs and tunes from old handwritten songbooks, listen to oral tradition, or find repertoire from various publications. The members converse amongst themselves and with the audience in the Muhu language. They pay special attention to their folk costumes, relying on the heritage of their ancestors. 2026. In 2016, the group finished their first CD and 2026. in 2026, received the folklore group of the year award from the Estonian Folklore Council for their consistent and enthusiastic activity, and for keeping the Muhu language and tradition visible, audible, and open.


13th of November at 18.00 Community Celebration
14th of November at 16.00 Gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
14th of November at 19.30 Festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
15th of November at 12.00 Final Concert at the bridge area of the Estonian National Museum

Maatasa

Estonia

Halliki Pihlap, Helin Pihlap

Folklore Club Maatasa was formed in 2013. It introduces the heritage of South Estonia (particularly Tartu County) in its numerous forms: songs, dances, instrumental tunes, folktales, 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 sing, dance, and play an instrument. The name Maatasa (‘earth/ground’+’level’) has a double meaning: on the one hand, it refers to being ‘close to the ground’, symbolizing the group's desire to return to their roots and present folklore in its most authentic form; on the other hand, it can also mean ‘to the dust’, reflecting their freedom to reinterpret songs and tunes according to their own creative vision.

14th of November at 16.00 Gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
14th of November at 19.30 Festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall
15th of November at 12.00 Final Concert at the bridge area of the Estonian National Museum

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).

14th of November at 16.00 Gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Pistandi

Estonia

Tiina Tuhkur

Pistandi is a Tartu Applied Health Sciences University folk dance ensemble formed in 2018 under the instruction of Tiina Tuhkur. Today, there are around 50 dancers divided between three ensembles. Pistandi has taken part in several national and regional dance festivals and performed at cultural and sports events all over Estonia. 2023. In 2023, the group celebrated their fifth birthday with the anniversary concert "Pistandi 5".
It is important for the ensemble to preserve Estonian folk dance tradition and the Tartu-Maarja cultural heritage. The dancers of Pistandi wear Tartu-Maarja traditional costumes, in the creation of which the dancers and instructor have contributed. Under the guidance of Tiina Tuhkur, the next generation has also found its way to folk dance – seven of Pistandi's alumni are training to become dance instructors.


14th of November at 16.00 Gala concert of the festival at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Jumšan Gur

Estonia (Udmurt)

Dmitry Denisov, Inga Ignatieva, Irina Reshetnikova

The ensemble Jumšan Gur was founded in 2006 by Udmurts living in Tartu, although they had already been coming together since 1996. The name Jumšan Gur translates as "party tune". Our repertoire consists mainly of traditional songs and dances of the Southern Udmurts. One of the ensemble's goals is to introduce our culture to people living in Estonia. Another important aim is to pass it on to our 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 at 19.30 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.


13th of November at 18.00 Community Celebration in Tartu: Youth evening at Tiigi Seltsimaja
14th of November at 19.30 Festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

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.

14th of November at 19.30 Festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Sirgutii

Estonia

Sirgutii (Linnutee or "milky way" in the Tartu dialect) is a group of fun folk musicians whose songs include older dance tunes and folk songs from different parts of Estonia and the neighbouring countries.

14th of November at 19.00 Cafe stage at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Susanna Viktoria

Estonia

Susanna Viktoria is a musician and producer who emerged from the Estonian folk music scene, creating distinctive folk-electronic music with a contemporary twist. She values ​​her roots and respects tradition, breathing new life into the old. Susanna Viktoria's soundscape blends folklore, the sounds of the flute and bagpipe, delicate vocals, and engaging rhythms.
The musician's primary instruments are the Estonian bagpipe, flute, whistles, and vocals. Susanna Viktoria also handles the entire production process for her work.

14th of November at 19.00 Cafe stage at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

TuviMäruliHärrad

Estonia

TuviMäruliHärrad is a diatonic accordion duo comprising Marten Kaljas and Uku Suislep. Performing under this name since 2024, the duo’s repertoire includes arrangements of Estonian traditional music, new original compositions in a folk style, and original works created through their collaboration. Both musicians sing and play the diatonic accordion.

Uku: Garmon, vocals
Marten: Garmon, vocals

14th of November at 19.00 Cafe stage at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Õed-vennad Ristikheinad vähendatud koosseisus

Estonia

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.

14th of November at 19.00 Cafe stage at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Luunja children's group

Estonia

Liis Tenno

The Luunja children's group was founded in 2025, and it currently includes 21 bright-eyed primary schoolers (years 1-5). Dance practices are full of joy, playfulness, and dance.


13th of November at 18.00 Community Celebration

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. 2025. Since the autumn of 2025, the group has been led by Diana Tarto.

13th of November at 18.00 Community Celebration

Trambali

Estonia

Elen Rebane

Luunja 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.

13th of November at 18.00 Community Celebration

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. 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. Traditional dances are taught to the ensemble by Helin Pihlap from the folklore club Maatasa, Saara Liis Jõerand works on contemporary movement and stage techniques, and Raul Markus Vaiksoo serves as the artistic director.

14th of November at 19.30 Festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Näppepildurid

Estonia

Tanel Sakrits

Näppepildurid of the Tapa Music and Art School is a spirited group of young musicians who began playing together in 2022. They perform a variety of folk tunes from their homeland and beyond. The group comprises current plucked-string students and alumni of the school’s music department under the guidance of teacher Tanel Sakrits. With young multi-instrumentalists also in the mix, surprises are guaranteed. We look forward to seeing you there!

13th of November at 18.00 Community Celebration in Tartu: Youth evening at Tiigi Seltsimaja
14th of November at 19.30 Festival dance club at the Vanemuine Concert Hall

Koos On Kergem

Estonia

Tuule Pihlap

Koos On Kergem (Easier Together) is an ensamble of musicians uniting childhood friends.

14th of November at 19.00 Cafe stage at the Vanemuine Concert Hall