About us
Soveldaja, a folk dance ensemble operating as a cultural collective of Tallinn University, joins mostly student dance enthusiasts.
Soveldaja proudly considers itself an ensemble for the young and the youthful, and we don't intend to wither nor age over time, but to grow and develop. The ensemble's repertoire and performances are characterized by livelinessvivaciousness, youthful energy, and creativity.
Soveldaja consists of four groups: two mixed groups of experienced and particularly skilled dancers, an active younger mixed group full of energy and a fun, and colorful female group.
In the fall of 2022 Soveldaja dance club was founded and with it, the musical troupe. In addition to that, the ensemble has a sports club and a crafting club, in the latter members can contribute to the completion of the folk costumes.
The artistic director of Soveldaja is Elo Unt and she is assisted by David Truusa.
Performances
Soveldaja is an active collective that loves to perform and participate in various dance events. The ensemble is well-represented at general dance festivals, women's and men's dance festivals, as well as student song and dance festivals like Gaudeamus. Additionally, Soveldaja takes part in various events organized by the Estonian Folk Dance Ensembles Union, whether they are concerts, competitions, or other enjoyable performances. They also happily dance on smaller stages, having delighted audiences for years at the Kuusalu May Fair and at the Estonian Open Air Museum events.
The dance ensemble also enjoys competing with other groups, participating in competitions for new dances as well as intergroup dance contests.
Every year, Soveldaja strives to attend international folklore festivals. We have performed in countries such as Finland, Portugal, France, Germany, Scotland, Italy, Slovenia, and Poland.
History
Tallinn University's folk dance ensemble Soveldaja began its activities in the mid-1980s under the leadership of the legendary Mait Agu.
The ensemble's name often attracts attention: it derives from the little-known Estonian verb soveldama, meaning to create, arrange, and shape.
Anna Raudkats, one of the earliest choreographers and collectors of Estonian folk dances, would often sign her dance arrangements with the words “soveldanud A. Raudkats” (“arranged by A. Raudkats”).
soveldama <verb>
To refine something until it is precise and suitable.
All of Soveldaja's artistic directors have been prolific choreographers. In earlier years, a significant part of the ensemble's repertoire consisted of original dances by Helen Reimand. The work of the ensemble's current artistic director, Elo Unt, is described as energetic, fresh, playful, and free-spirited. Her choreographies are engaging and challenging for the dancers.
Dances for the ensemble have also been created by Leaanika Parra, Indrek Kornel, David Truusa, and Roosmarii Sarapuu.
1985
MAIT AGU FOUNDS THE FIRST SOVELDAJA GROUP
Mait Agu was a lecturer at the Tallinn Pedagogical Institute, then named after Eduard Vilde. The first Soveldaja group consisted exclusively of dance students at the time.
1985
ANGELA ARRASTE FOUNDS THE SECOND SOVELDAJA GROUP
Under the guidance of Angela Arraste, a renowned dance director and lecturer in Estonian dance, the second Soveldaja group began its activities. It was intended primarily for amateur dancers.
2006-2014
HELEN REIMAND IS THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF SOVELDAJA
From 2006 to 2014, Soveldaja danced under the steady and creative leadership of Helen Reimand.
2013
HELEN REIMAND FOUNDS SOVELDAJA'S FIRST WOMEN'S GROUP
Until then, the ensemble had consisted exclusively of mixed-gender groups. Helen Reimand established its first all-female group.
2014-2015
INDREK KORNEL LEADS THE MIXED-GENDER GROUPS AND LEAANIKA PARRA LEADS THE WOMEN'S GROUP
2015 autumn -...
ELO UNT IS THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF SOVELDAJA
Soveldaja's current director, Elo Unt, is a well-known Estonian choreographer and dance teacher. Over the years, she has created numerous dances and choreographic arrangements for Soveldaja, giving the ensemble its distinctive identity.
2018
SOVELDAJA HAS FOUR FOLK DANCE GROUPS
The ensemble comprises three mixed-gender groups and one women's group.
2019
DAVID TRUUSA JOINS THE ENSEMBLE AS AN ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
David Truusa graduated in choreography from Tallinn University in 2023. He leads the ensemble's youngest mixed-gender group.
2022
SOVELDAJA CELEBRATES ITS 35TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THE CONCERT TUULE TÕMME
At the concert, the ensemble performed exclusively dances created by its instructors, Elo and David.
Life and Spirit of Soveldaja
In addition to great training and an inspiring repertoire, the members of Soveldaja value the sense of belonging, care, and striving for good results within the ensemble. The dancers are motivated by the excellent company, the opportunity to perform new and fresh creations, and their shared love for dance. In Soveldaja, it is understood that the foundation of a well-functioning group is strong mutual relationships, which are developed and maintained through various joint activities, such as hikes, parties, attending each other's performances, and more.
It has become a lasting tradition to have a welcome party at the beginning of the season, an autumn hike, a Christmas party, a winter camp, an end-of-season party, and a summer camp. Each dance season, the ensemble also brings at least two solo concerts to the stage, offering beautiful experiences to their supporters and friends.
