This article has been reproduced from the ECFA with permission
Through our grant program, the Estonian Cultural Foundation in Australia (ECFA) is proud to support projects enhancing Estonian culture, language, and heritage. As part of the 2024-25 grant year, we supported Sydney Virmalised in their proposal to host a concert celebrating 90 years of Estonian folk dancing in Australia.
You are warmly invited to “Keskpõrandale Kokku / Centre Stage, All Together,” a special concert celebrating 90 years of Estonian folk dancing in Australia and 55 years of Virmalised – Sydney Estonian Folk Dancers. The concert will be held at Sydney Latvian House (32 Parnell Street, Strathfield NSW 2135) at 1:30 pm on Saturday, 9th November and is free entry for everyone.
This concert celebrates local practices of Estonian folk dancing and pays tribute to Eastern Europe’s rich and diverse dance traditions. Attendees from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine will experience the vibrant spirit of folk dancing, all coming together on centre stage to celebrate their shared cultural heritage.
The Artistic Director of the XXI Tantsupidu (National Estonian Dance Festival) and respected choreographer Helena-Mariana Reimann will be running an intensive tantsulaager (dance camp) in November with Austraalia Virmalised, culminating with the concert and the national ensemble’s first public performance. With a successful 30+ year career as a teacher and choreographer of Estonian folk dance in Estonia her presence at the concert is a special highlight of the occasion.
‘Virmalised’ Sydney Estonian Folk Dancers will be joined by:
- ‘Austraalia Virmalised’ Australian National Tantsupidu (Dance Festival) Ensemble
- ‘Mudilasring’ members from Sydney Estonian Children’s Playgroup
- ‘Jautrais Pāris’ Latvian Folk Dancers
- ‘Sūkurys’ Lithuanian Folk Dance Group
- ‘Lajkonik’ Polish Song and Dance Ensemble Sydney
- ‘Veselka’ – Ukrainian Dance Ensemble Sydney
- ‘Zahrava’ Ukrainian Youth Association Dance Ensemble
Folk dancing has always played a significant role in preserving the cultural identity of immigrant communities, and this event is a testament to the enduring legacy of these traditions. Over the past nine decades, Estonian folk dancers in Australia have kept their heritage alive, passing down stories, values, and rhythms through generations. This 90-year journey serves as a reminder of the power of dance to bring people together, connect them with their roots, and create bonds across borders. The 55th anniversary of “Virmalised” also highlights how the group has become an integral part of the cultural activities within the Sydney Estonian community.
Guests are encouraged to book tickets via TryBooking to secure their place for catering and seating purposes. The Sydney Latvian Society will offer snacks and drinks for purchase during the event. Attendees can reserve their spot through the following link: https://www.trybooking.com/CVLUG.
The concert will be live-streamed and accessed through this link: https://youtube.com/live/9hhbTAfXvT8?feature=share.
ECFA shares Virmalised’s mission of encouraging all to witness and experience the joy of folk dancing. We look forward to the outcomes of this collaboration and celebrating an important milestone.