Estonian Folk Dance, Music & Craft Workshop
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Old Estonians thought that dancing had a powerful and magical influence on the surrounding world. Dance was an inseparable component of everyday life, parties and festivities. People expressed their joy, success as well as worries by dancing. In other words, dance gave an opportunity for Estonians to express people’s experiences, feelings and personalities. Intangible cultural heritage is the living heritage of our forebears, which is kept alive by communities and individuals through their skills, traditions, customs and habits, and which is passed on to succeeding generations.
This workshop does not require previous dancing experience. It is suitable for all age groups. Learn the steps of the most famous Estonian folk dances called Oige ja Vasemba, Kaera Jaan, Kägara, Kolonntants, Kirburaputus Nuiast, Kalamees, Savikoja Venelane.
We will also teach the Estonian folk songs on violin using the ‘traditional way’; meaning, the students will listen to the recordings of Estonian folk music or the teacher and learn to play the folk songs without written materials. The players will try to memorize the music by repeating it over and over again.
During the workshop, we will spend some time learning how to make Muhu island wedding tufts, used to decorate musical instruments and ourselves.
This workshop does not require previous dancing experience. It is suitable for all age groups. Learn the steps of the most famous Estonian folk dances called Oige ja Vasemba, Kaera Jaan, Kägara, Kolonntants, Kirburaputus Nuiast, Kalamees, Savikoja Venelane.
We will also teach the Estonian folk songs on violin using the ‘traditional way’; meaning, the students will listen to the recordings of Estonian folk music or the teacher and learn to play the folk songs without written materials. The players will try to memorize the music by repeating it over and over again.
During the workshop, we will spend some time learning how to make Muhu island wedding tufts, used to decorate musical instruments and ourselves.
About the dances:
Oige ja vasemga means "right and left". Bright and jolly in 4/4 rhythm to the tune of an accordion, it is a simple, walking dance which will be our walking dance.
Kaera Jaan - In 1889 a village blacksmith called Jaan hid himself in the Manor's washroom to peek at girls doing the laundry. Jaan was caught peeking and the girls came up with a teasing song about him. The song starts with the workds "Kaera Jaan, Kaera Jaan, get out and take a look!" Originally, it was a long song about this event, but now we use only 2-3 stanzas. Nowadays, every Estonian knows the song and the dance.
Kägara is a circle dance. Circle dance is probably the oldest known dance formation and was part of community life from when people first started to dance. dancing in a circle is an ancient tradition common to many cultures for marking special occasions, rituals, strengthening community and encouraging togetherness. The dance can also be enjoyed as an uplifting group experience or as part of a meditation.
Kolonntants - This column dance is danced in pairs. The leaders move at the beginning of the columnof the other dancers using labajalavalss (Flat-Foot Waltz), an Estonian folk waltz. A characteristic feature is dancing flat-footed, i.e., two feet are firmly on the ground, the dancers do not rise onto their toes. This is an ancient way of dancing known only in Estonia.
Kirburaputus Nuiast - In the old times, there were different unpleasant insects in people's homes. One of them was a flea whose bite made the skin itch. The dance "Shaking of Fleas" speaks about getting rid of the fleas by shaking your hands.
Kalamees is an old dance from little Kihnu island where people still wear national costumes - striped woolen skirts (women) and knitted sweaters (men).
Savikoja Venelane is an approximately hundred year old dance from Southwest of Estonia, known all over the country in different variations.
Oige ja vasemga means "right and left". Bright and jolly in 4/4 rhythm to the tune of an accordion, it is a simple, walking dance which will be our walking dance.
Kaera Jaan - In 1889 a village blacksmith called Jaan hid himself in the Manor's washroom to peek at girls doing the laundry. Jaan was caught peeking and the girls came up with a teasing song about him. The song starts with the workds "Kaera Jaan, Kaera Jaan, get out and take a look!" Originally, it was a long song about this event, but now we use only 2-3 stanzas. Nowadays, every Estonian knows the song and the dance.
Kägara is a circle dance. Circle dance is probably the oldest known dance formation and was part of community life from when people first started to dance. dancing in a circle is an ancient tradition common to many cultures for marking special occasions, rituals, strengthening community and encouraging togetherness. The dance can also be enjoyed as an uplifting group experience or as part of a meditation.
Kolonntants - This column dance is danced in pairs. The leaders move at the beginning of the columnof the other dancers using labajalavalss (Flat-Foot Waltz), an Estonian folk waltz. A characteristic feature is dancing flat-footed, i.e., two feet are firmly on the ground, the dancers do not rise onto their toes. This is an ancient way of dancing known only in Estonia.
Kirburaputus Nuiast - In the old times, there were different unpleasant insects in people's homes. One of them was a flea whose bite made the skin itch. The dance "Shaking of Fleas" speaks about getting rid of the fleas by shaking your hands.
Kalamees is an old dance from little Kihnu island where people still wear national costumes - striped woolen skirts (women) and knitted sweaters (men).
Savikoja Venelane is an approximately hundred year old dance from Southwest of Estonia, known all over the country in different variations.
About the Paide, Estonia - Westminster, Maryland Partnership
In 1993, after the breakup of the Soviet Union and Estonian independence, Maryland and Estonia Began a very robust State Partnership Program, leading to Estonia’s entry into NATO and the EU. The relationship between Maryland and Estonia has been extremely beneficial for both sides, and many experts believe the special relationship is the model for a successful program. While the State Partnership Program has been primarily focused on military and related security issues, some very productive city to city relationships developed between Maryland and Estonian communities. One of the more successful was the Westminster-Paide Partner City Program.
The Westminster – Paide Partner City Program dates back to 2002, when the first exchanges occurred in June and September of that year. As both governments showed interest in continuing the cooperation, a written agreement was developed and approved by both sides. The written agreement addressed five main areas for cooperation: culture, philanthropy, education, business and government. More importantly, the cooperation laid the foundation for creation of the Westminster – Paide Partner City Fund in 2003. This fund is a special purpose fund of the Community Foundation of Carroll County that was created to provide a private revenue stream to support Westminster – Paide exchange projects. Contributors can make a tax deductible contribution to the fund under the 501(c)3 umbrella of the Community Foundation of Carroll County. Additionally, a local private committee was created to guide exchange activities.
In addition to focusing on the five areas under the written agreement, Westminster also agreed to pursue a work visa to hire an Estonian citizen to work in Westminster and support the exchange program. An H1B2 visa was obtained for Mari Taalmann, who moved to Westminster in 2003 and worked until she obtained a Rotary World Scholarship to attend Bradford University in England. One of the major areas of exchange events focused on cultural activities. For example, the Paide Girls Choir visited and performed in Maryland, then hosted the visit of the Children’s Chorus of Carroll County to Estonia. Other specific activities included employee swaps, business owners’ exchanges, and exchange library in Paide with the presentation of 750 children and adult books. Overall, a total of 1,759 children’s and adult books were presented to each county in Estonia to allow for the creation of an “American Corner” in every jurisdiction.
The prime contact in Westminster has been Thomas Beyard, who has historically worn two hats – one with Westminster government and one with the Maryland National Guard. There have been a number of different contact people in Paide, but due to deployments and related matters, there have been few exchange activities in recent years – but personal contact have remained very strong.
In late 2015, Paide resident Tiina Kivimae made contact with Thomas Beyard requesting assistance to help organize a visit of the Paide Gymnasium Folk Dance Group to the USA and Westminster. From June 27 - July 5, Paide Gymnasium Folk Dance Group (26 kids and 10 adults) visited Maryland. They gave a showcase performance at Common Ground on the Hill Evening Concert Series at McDaniel College; performed at the Rotary Amphitheater at the Carroll Community College, and performed at the Old Fashioned 4th of July Festival at the Carroll County Farm Museum. The group’s favorite performance was for Airmen in Maintenance Hangar at Warfield Air National Guard Base. The video of their performance has been watched over 39.7 k online. They also visited Ocean City, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, and Towson University.
In 1993, after the breakup of the Soviet Union and Estonian independence, Maryland and Estonia Began a very robust State Partnership Program, leading to Estonia’s entry into NATO and the EU. The relationship between Maryland and Estonia has been extremely beneficial for both sides, and many experts believe the special relationship is the model for a successful program. While the State Partnership Program has been primarily focused on military and related security issues, some very productive city to city relationships developed between Maryland and Estonian communities. One of the more successful was the Westminster-Paide Partner City Program.
The Westminster – Paide Partner City Program dates back to 2002, when the first exchanges occurred in June and September of that year. As both governments showed interest in continuing the cooperation, a written agreement was developed and approved by both sides. The written agreement addressed five main areas for cooperation: culture, philanthropy, education, business and government. More importantly, the cooperation laid the foundation for creation of the Westminster – Paide Partner City Fund in 2003. This fund is a special purpose fund of the Community Foundation of Carroll County that was created to provide a private revenue stream to support Westminster – Paide exchange projects. Contributors can make a tax deductible contribution to the fund under the 501(c)3 umbrella of the Community Foundation of Carroll County. Additionally, a local private committee was created to guide exchange activities.
In addition to focusing on the five areas under the written agreement, Westminster also agreed to pursue a work visa to hire an Estonian citizen to work in Westminster and support the exchange program. An H1B2 visa was obtained for Mari Taalmann, who moved to Westminster in 2003 and worked until she obtained a Rotary World Scholarship to attend Bradford University in England. One of the major areas of exchange events focused on cultural activities. For example, the Paide Girls Choir visited and performed in Maryland, then hosted the visit of the Children’s Chorus of Carroll County to Estonia. Other specific activities included employee swaps, business owners’ exchanges, and exchange library in Paide with the presentation of 750 children and adult books. Overall, a total of 1,759 children’s and adult books were presented to each county in Estonia to allow for the creation of an “American Corner” in every jurisdiction.
The prime contact in Westminster has been Thomas Beyard, who has historically worn two hats – one with Westminster government and one with the Maryland National Guard. There have been a number of different contact people in Paide, but due to deployments and related matters, there have been few exchange activities in recent years – but personal contact have remained very strong.
In late 2015, Paide resident Tiina Kivimae made contact with Thomas Beyard requesting assistance to help organize a visit of the Paide Gymnasium Folk Dance Group to the USA and Westminster. From June 27 - July 5, Paide Gymnasium Folk Dance Group (26 kids and 10 adults) visited Maryland. They gave a showcase performance at Common Ground on the Hill Evening Concert Series at McDaniel College; performed at the Rotary Amphitheater at the Carroll Community College, and performed at the Old Fashioned 4th of July Festival at the Carroll County Farm Museum. The group’s favorite performance was for Airmen in Maintenance Hangar at Warfield Air National Guard Base. The video of their performance has been watched over 39.7 k online. They also visited Ocean City, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, and Towson University.