Mait Agu dance awards honour Rander and two graduates

Contemporary dance artist Aare Rander and recent graduates Sofia Martila and Karin Aarelaid have received the Mait Agu dance awards, ERR reported. The awards were presented on October 2 by the choreography programme at Tallinn University’s Baltic Film, Media and Arts Institute.

The awards recognise both people with a long record of contributing to dance and emerging artists. They are named after Mait Agu, a figure in Estonian dance higher education whose 75th birth anniversary was marked this year.

Rander is a dancer, choreographer and teacher who works in Estonia and Finland. A former student of Agu, he has collaborated with Tallinn University for many years, particularly as a jazz and modern dance teacher. In recent years, he has also been recognised for writing about dance.

Martila graduated from the institute’s choreography programme in spring 2026. Her work spans folk, street and contemporary dance. Her dance piece “Sirutagem käed” won second prize in the women’s group category at the fourth Estonian Women’s Dance Festival choreography competition. Her bachelor’s work, “Süda,” was performed at Kanuti Gildi Saal, Tallinn Fringe Festival and an Estonian contemporary performing arts showcase. She teaches whacking at Spirit Studios and works as a freelance dance artist.

Aarelaid also graduated from the programme in spring 2026. She is a dancer in Júla Vavra’s production “Tähelepanuvõrk” at Sõltumatu Tantsu Lava, an independent dance venue. Her bachelor’s production, “Tantsu-usku,” is due to return to the same venue in November. She is currently developing her professional skills through the ALP Dance programme in Brussels.

The Mait Agu award was established in 1999 to support talented students, dance-makers and practitioners. It is given to a student, graduate or creative collective recognised for creative or theoretical work, achievement and active participation in studies and dance projects.

The awards were presented at a choreography alumni reunion that brought together dance professionals from different generations. The gathering was part of BFM’s Korfest dance festival, which marks 50 years of choreography studies. The festival runs until October 14.