Helena-Mariana Reimann wins Ullo Toomi folk dance scholarship

Dance leader, choreographer and director Helena-Mariana Reimann has received this year’s Ullo Toomi Folk Dance Scholarship, ERR reported. The award was presented at Tallinn Town Hall on September 14.

Reimann said in an interview with ERR that Estonian folk dancing is currently in very good shape.

She described the scholarship as a major honour in the folk dance field, saying Ullo Toomi had left behind not only dances but also ideas and a tradition to preserve and pass on to future generations.

“You can say that Estonian folk dancing is in very good shape at the moment. The infection is spreading very well. I like to say it is like a bacillus: once the bug gets inside you, you cannot get rid of it,” Reimann said.

She noted that some of her dancers had originally come together for just one dance festival but have now been dancing together for 10 years.

Reimann said she enjoys folk dancing, Estonian dance and creating choreography for Estonian music. She added that each season brings something exciting.

Her current projects include preparing a demonstration video for a new dance festival. Registration for the next song and dance festival will also begin soon, she said, adding that there is plenty of practising and other work ahead.