Sunday, July 27
Access to the workshops is on a first-come, first-served basis, until all spots are filled. Latecomers will not be admitted.
Dance School
The Green Stage
SUN 27.07 at 14.00 / Circle dances and singing games. Maatasa
To help you dance with confidence and keep the steps straight at the Dance House, Dance School is here to guide you. Talented musicians, singers, and dancers will demonstrate how Estonian villagers and townsfolk once danced. Youngsters from Kihnu will lead traditional Kihnu dances, while Tammeougu Mari and the girls from Sõrve will teach folk circle games from Saaremaa. From the sister festival Sabatants, Jaan Sarv and Leanne Barbo will get even the stiffest feet moving with spirit. And thanks to the Tartu Folklore Club Maatasa, you can learn and join in on singing games and circle dances.
Morning dance on the beach
Basketball court at Lake Viljandi beach
SUN 27.07 at 10.00
The best way to start your morning is to listen to the music in the best possible way – through dancing! Mia Marta Ruus and friends ask you to join them on Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning to dance on the basketball court at Lake Viljandi beach so you can start the day well, letting traditional music into your bones and lifting your mood!
We dance old social dances and spice it up with a few waltzes, polkas, flat foot waltzes and rheinländers. Bring a friend or come alone, you’ll find a dancing partner on the court!
Baby singing and playing group / Kreete Viira
Sakala Centre
SUN 27.07 at 11.00
Target audience: children aged 0–2 with their parents
Traditional music teacher Kreete Viira invites mothers and fathers to bring their babies to the group where they play age-appropriate games, singing games and sing songs which you can memorise and repeat at home to promote the love of traditional culture in your children.
Children’s singing and playing group / Kreete Viira
Sakala Centre
SUN 27.07 at 12.00
Target audience: children aged 3–6 with their parents
Kreete Viira teaches children and their families age-appropriate games, singing games and songs. Children are welcome to attend with their parents, so that later on, you can play these games at home yourself.
Men’s singing group
Lokaal Sahara (Posti 6)
SUN 27.07 at 11.00 / Urmas Kalla
Target audience: men of all ages, no women allowed.
The mandatory voice and mind wakeup session for all men on all three festival days. Men’s singing group is a chamber of secrets where men twirl their moustaches in the dark, sing manly songs and talk about manly things. Bring your favourite songs to the singing group to share with others.
Women’s singing group
Theatre TEMUFI hall (Tartu 9)
SUN 27.07 at 11.00 / Women from Sõrve
Target audience: women of all ages, no men allowed.
Women have preserved our traditional singing culture throughout centuries. The folklore archive is filled with songs from our female ancestors, where they talk about their thoughts and feelings. Which of these songs speak to the women of today? Which songs will the women of today leave to their children? We invite all women to join us on three festival mornings to sing about what you’re thinking and feeling. Bring your favourite songs with you so you can share with the others.
Ritual Songs from Ukraine / Zhorzhyny (Ukraine)
Chamber Hall of Traditional Music Centre
SUN 27.07 at 12.30
Members of the ensemble Zhorzhyny will share insights into traditional Ukrainian calendar and ritual songs. They will sing and also present historical material.
The workshop is in English.
Introduction to traditional music / Annika Mändmaa
Chamber Hall of Traditional Music Centre
SUN 27.07 at 14.30
In this workshop, you can sing and play singing games. You will also hear many fascinating instruments, made of natural materials, all crafted by Annika herself. You can try to get a tune from a shepherd's horn or a goat horn made of birchbark, or try your hand at the väikekannel or talharpa.
In the past, folk music was naturally passed down from parents to children, with people singing together during work and celebrations. Although this tradition has faded, the heritage is still valuable and should be preserved for future generations. Young people may find inspiration in this workshop to explore further on their own, and to ask their parents and grandparents about the lullabies they were sung, how to make leaf and willow whistles, and more.
This workshop is primarily for middle and high school students.
Workshops taking place on several days