Estonian Folk Dance

The development of Estonian folk dances can be surmised to parallel the development of the kannel. Although no data is available, one can postulate that as with other cultures, in the earliest times, Estonians on the shores of the Baltic found means to express themselves through day to day movements of walking and leaping. Such movements may have been for folk gatherings, or to imitate the movements of birds or animals, or even, as a 12th century document attests, to prepare themselves for war.

Documentation of folk dances began in the 19th century, Dances were held at holy places and on sacred days as well as family/community gathers, such as weddings, where old ritualistic dances were retained. Primarily, however, dances were expressions of joyful gatherings, where both young and old could participate. Kannel music invited people to dance.

At the same time as the shape of the kannel changed to accommodate western influenced waltses and polkas, folk dances took on the same forms, of which differing variations could be found in each area of the country. Dances were held at communal work days, especially at the “kiigemägi”, a gathering spot centering around large community swings, and village dance parties. In the 20th century, folk dance and sport became popular with the young people. Folk dance festivals incorporated processions and stage productions.

In the 20’s and 30’s, traditional dances from across Estonia were gathered and recorded and the first Estonian folk dance collection was published. New choreographed folk dances were performed and competitions were held in which Estonian modern folk dances won many awards. Folk dance groups developed both in and outside Estonia. Folk dance and song festivals were held through out the soviet occupation and continue to this day.

Currently, there is a renewed interest in the development of both folk dance and folk music. Traditional dances have been revived, with some of the oldest preserved dances coming from the more isolated islands off western Estonia. Both traditional and new choreographed dances can be seen at current folk dance festivals, where the music of the kannel still sounds forth in harmony with the steps of the dancers.

Reet Mae / Maria Virsa