Dance Community Director
Creating welcoming social dance spaces for adults 45+ across Estonia. Specializing in bachata evenings in Tallinn and salsa meetups in Tartu.
About
I didn't start dancing to become an instructor. I discovered my passion for social dance while studying at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre in Tallinn, where I was training in classical ballet and contemporary dance. But it was the social aspect — the connection, the community, the joy of moving together — that truly grabbed me.
After working as a traditional dance instructor for five years, I noticed something that frustrated me. Most dance programming skipped right over people in their 40s and 50s, assuming they weren't interested or weren't "coordinated enough." That's nonsense. In 2010, I started my first beginner-friendly bachata class in central Tallinn with just 8 people. We've grown to over 150 regular dancers. That's not because I'm some magical teacher — it's because there's real hunger for this. People want to move, connect, and feel alive.
Now I coordinate regular social dance events across Estonia. The bachata evenings in Tallinn have become something special. The salsa meetups in Tartu draw dancers from all over the region. And every single week, I work with beginners who swear they can't dance. Three weeks later, they're laughing, they're improving, and they're making friends. That's what keeps me going.
Background
Diploma in Dance Education from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre in Tallinn. Specialized training in adult beginner instruction and community dance facilitation. Ongoing professional development in social dance pedagogy and inclusive teaching methods.
Founded and grew beginner-friendly bachata classes from 8 participants in 2010 to a thriving community of 150+ regular dancers. Established weekly bachata evenings in central Tallinn that now attract dancers across Estonia. Created educational resources and event guides specifically for mature beginners.
Launched salsa meetups in Tartu in 2014 and now coordinates weekly social dance gatherings. Coordinates with regional dance communities to build sustainable programs that serve dancers aged 45 and above. Developed beginner-focused curricula and social dance event frameworks.
At norsted, I develop comprehensive educational resources for social dance instruction. This includes event planning guides, beginner curriculum frameworks, and community building strategies. My focus is making social dancing genuinely accessible to mature learners across Estonia.
Expertise
Bachata isn't just a dance — it's about connection and rhythm. I've spent years building the bachata community in Tallinn, and it's become something special. We run beginner-friendly evenings that focus on basics like timing, partner connection, and body movement. Most people who come have never danced before. They're nervous, they think they'll mess up. But bachata's beautiful because you can't really go wrong. It's forgiving, it's social, and it works perfectly for people discovering dance later in life.
Salsa's different. It's faster, more energetic, and requires a bit more footwork precision. The Tartu salsa meetups I coordinate attract people who want that higher-energy social dance experience. We run sessions for absolute beginners, so you're not walking into a room full of experienced dancers. You've got time to learn the basic step, practice with different partners, and actually enjoy yourself. Plus, there's something about the salsa community — people are genuinely welcoming here.
Philosophy
Not a barrier. People at this stage of life often have more confidence, self-awareness, and patience than younger dancers. They're not trying to impress anyone — they're doing it for themselves.
Social dance is about connection. I build classes and events where people feel genuinely welcomed. That means patient instruction, lots of partner rotation, and real friendships forming.
My specialty is working with people starting from zero. No assumptions about prior experience. Just clear teaching, honest feedback, and celebration of progress.
Through norsted, I create guides and educational materials that make social dancing less intimidating. Event calendars, beginner tips, what-to-expect guides — the practical stuff that helps people actually show up.
Key Areas
I'm coordinating regular dance events in multiple cities to build a connected community. The bachata evenings in Tallinn and salsa meetups in Tartu are growing, but I'm also exploring new locations and formats. The goal is simple: make it easy for people 45+ to find welcoming social dance experiences near them.
At norsted, I'm developing practical guides for beginner dancers. How to choose a class. What to expect at your first social dance. Basic techniques explained simply. I'm also creating resources for instructors who want to teach social dance to mature learners — because this age group has different needs and deserves teaching methods designed specifically for them.
Resources
I've written practical guides to help you get started with social dance. These cover everything from what to expect at your first class to specific techniques for bachata and salsa.
New to bachata? This guide walks you through what to expect at your first class, basic techniques, and how the Tallinn community actually works. You'll learn the fundamentals of partner connection and rhythm that make bachata so rewarding.
Read the guideThinking about trying salsa but unsure what you're walking into? Here's what our Tartu meetups are actually like, what to wear, how we structure the evening, and why this community is so welcoming to beginners.
Read the guideThere's a lot of choice out there. This practical guide helps you evaluate classes, understand what "beginner" actually means at different venues, and choose something that matches your pace and comfort level.
Read the guideA comprehensive calendar of social dance events happening across Estonia in 2026. Find bachata evenings, salsa meetups, workshops, and special events. Updated regularly so you always know what's coming up.
View the calendarWhether you're curious about bachata in Tallinn, salsa in Tartu, or just looking for beginner-friendly dance classes, I'm here to help. Check out the resources, browse upcoming events, or get in touch with questions.
