Interested in singing Estonian music in a friendly group setting, joining in Estonian folk dancing, or perhaps enjoying some Estonian games and learning fun with children? It’s that time of year where new season practices will soon begin. Here you can find a list of some of the different groups in the community, with contact details and links to further information about joining in!
EESTI KOOL
Eesti Kool is planning on gathering at 12:30pm, following St. Peter’s church services, on the following Sundays:
• September 11th
• September 25th
• October 9th
• October 23rd
Following that, the group will review if another day of the week/frequency works better to start preparing for a Christmas event. The group communicates through the Facebook group Vancouveri Mudilased, and is currently looking for teachers. All ages are welcome to join—from babies to teens, but adults who want to play games and learn some basic language skills can also join in the fun!
KIIVITAJAD
Women’s Estonian Folk Dance Group Kiivitajad currently does not hold weekly practices, but instead is gathering names of interested dancers. If you would like to be notified about future practices, please get in touch! Led by Brigid Zurock, practices may be organized throughout the year to support dancers interested in joining the North American Women’s Dance Group based in Toronto, which plans to audition for Tantsupidu 2025 in Estonia (learn more about their folk dance camp in Toronto, September 9-11, 2022).
Contact: vancouverikiivitajad@gmail.com
KILPLASED
• Practices begin Tuesday, September 13th at 7pm.
Join in open-house folk dance evenings on Tuesday, September 13, 20, and 27, from 7-9pm. Kilplased is an adult, mixed-couple group that meets weekly on Tuesday evenings to enjoy and celebrate the fun of Estonian folk dance. The dances we often focus on are newer choreographed pieces which have been part of recent dance festivals in Estonia, along with some traditional favourites. Our open-house practices are a great opportunity to come and see what we are dancing and what the group is about. Led by Michael Toompuu and Brigid Zurock, find more information about joining the group here »
Contact: vancouverikilplased@gmail.com
KOIDIK
• Practices begin Sunday, September 11th at 6:30pm.
Vancouver Estonian Folk Dance Group Koidik meets every Sunday evening to learn and enjoy traditional Estonian folk dances. Led by Tom Vesik, the group is an energetic mix of dancers that have danced for many years, and some that are new to folk dancing altogether. All are welcome to join!
Contact: vanesto@shaw.ca
LÄÄNETUUL
• Practices begin Thursday, September 15th at 7:30pm.
Vancouver Estonian mixed choir Läänetuul enjoys singing a variety of Estonian choral and folk pieces in a fun and friendly group setting. Directed by Thomas Kirves, everyone is welcome to join in — practices take place on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm. Contact Thomas and Lilian, the choir manager, for more information.
Contact: laulukoorvancouverbc@gmail.com
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