Estonian folk dancers have taken Tallinn’s streets, added American hip-hop and attracted more than a million views. Traditional dance has entered unfamiliar territory — rather successfully.
Someone in Estonia decided that traditional folk costumes, Tallinn’s historic streets and American rapper Future’s Mask Off belonged in the same video. And instead of politely questioning the idea, Tallinn University’s folk dance ensemble Soveldaja went ahead and made it happen. They threw in impressive footwork, accordion music by Ernst Valdmaa and even sauna whisks. (Yes, apparently sauna rituals and folk dancing share a dance floor often.)
The result? More than a million views, international attention and quite possibly a few folk dance teachers wondering what their students might suggest next.
The video is part of Born From Culture, an international trend started by choreographer James M. Fenwick, combining traditional dance with contemporary music. Dancers from Georgia, Lithuania, Armenia, Mongolia and elsewhere have joined in, each bringing their own cultural traditions to the screen.
Soveldaja filmed its contribution around Tallinn in just eight hours, with no production budget. Choreographed by Elo Unt and filmed and edited by Kevin Kohjus, the video reached more than a million views within days and attracted international coverage, including in Australian advertising publication B&T.
And while pairing rap with folk dancing might raise an eyebrow or two, Estonia’s folk dance scene is no stranger to creative interpretations of tradition. Not everyone has to embrace the same soundtrack, of course. But the enthusiasm surrounding this video suggests there’s plenty of room for old traditions to find new ways of expressing themselves.
Watch the video below. Then tell us: who’s volunteering to run this idea by their folk dance teacher?
Naturally, the Internet had something to say too. Quite a lot, actually.
“Estonia, here I come,” announced one Instagram user. Another added, “Okay putting Estonia on the travel list!” At this rate, Estonia’s tourism industry may need to send the dancers a thank-you card.
Others were busy admiring the dancing, costumes and craftsmanship. One viewer wanted to know more about the women’s knitted stockings, while another praised the way Estonians remain connected to their heritage while embracing contemporary creativity.
Baltic neighbours joined the cheering too, with greetings arriving from Lithuania and elsewhere. Some viewers recognised the Tallinn streets they’d explored on their travels, while others were discovering Estonia for the first time. A few even started asking when their own countries would join the trend.
“The best tourist board I’ve ever seen,” declared one commenter. Another considered it “easily the best one from this trend.”
And then came a particularly enthusiastic declaration: “We’re all Estonian now.” Welcome aboard. Please collect your folk costume and learn to pronounce “õ” at your earliest convenience.
Not everyone was convinced by the soundtrack, but perhaps that’s part of the fun. The video has people watching, talking, comparing traditions and asking questions about Estonia — sometimes all in the same comment section.
Soveldaja has been part of Tallinn University’s cultural life since the 1980s, with its dancers regularly performing at Estonian dance celebrations and international folklore festivals. This time, however, their audience has extended well beyond the usual dance floor.
And for Estonian folk dancers in Australia? Well, perhaps it’s time to reconsider the rehearsal playlist. There’s still time before the next Eesti Päevad.
Perhaps traditional culture doesn’t have to sit quietly in a museum. It can dance through Tallinn to an unexpected soundtrack, make people laugh, inspire curiosity and reach people who might never otherwise encounter it. All while wearing fabulous knitted stockings.
Read more
TLÜ Rahvatantsuansambel Soveldaja — website, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
ERR — Estonian folk dancers’ video goes viral with global Born From Culture trend
B&T — Visit Tallinn puts a new spin on Estonia’s folk traditions
