Meist
Sõltumatu Tantsu Lava (STL, Independent Dance Stage) is a performance and development center that focuses on contemporary dance art in its various forms of expression.
In addition to the main performance program, STL organizes the PREMIERE platform for emerging dance artists, CHOREOGRAPHY+ series exploring the possibilities of choreography and presenting international dance artists at STF (Sõltumatu Tantsu Festival) and Baltic Dance Platform.
As an additional program, STL hosts movement workshops, the charitable Independent Dance Marathon, creative residencies for artists, lectures and discussions.
STL has published several dance publications, such as the Choreography Book, Sõltumatu Tantsu Raamat and the collection of texts “Estonian Dance Art: Now and →?”.
International work
Since 2021, STL has been the Estonian partner of the European dance network Aerowaves.
In addition, STL is the Estonian partner of the Baltic Dance Platform and, in cooperation with the Lithuanian and Latvian dance information centres, implements the international activities of the Baltic Dance Platform and Network and organizes the showcase festival.
STL is a partner in Creative Europe projects:
– Modina (Movement, Digital Intelligence and Interactive Audience) – a residency project exploring opportunities between dance and technology in collaboration with Tallinn University, Hochschule Düsseldorf from Germany, tanzhaus nrw from Germany, ITI, IST-ID, University of Lisbon from Portugal, Kino Siska from Slovenia, Trafo from Hungary and CNDB from Romania.
– VAP (Visiting Artist Program) – unites 23 leading contemporary dance festivals and organisations across Europe. Its aim is to promote creative exchange, artistic development and international networking opportunities for dance artists.
Dance art development
The Independent Dance Association (STÜ) was established in 2005 as an organization developing the art of dance, which supports the creative and performing activities of freelance dance artists and creative troupes by providing an outlet, development opportunities and administrative support for ideas and artists who meet the goals of STÜ.
STÜ has also taken a clear position as a developer of Estonian contemporary dance and a spokesperson for the field. Having a guiding role in the development of Estonian dance art, STÜ actively cooperates in conceptualizing and understanding the field, shaping policies and developing it as a member of the Estonian Association of Performing Arts and the Estonian Dance Council.
The Independent Dance Stage Hall was created with the creative interests of dance artists in mind (open floor space 11×14 meters, soft wooden parquet floor, clean and warm hall, daylight opportunities, modern hygiene conditions, stage equipment and audience area).
We are located in Telliskivi Creative City at Telliskivi 60a/9, Tallinn 10412. Entrance from the back of the building.
Sõltumatu Tantsu Ühendus MTÜ
Reg. code 80230613
Bank account: EE047700771009521709 (LHV)
Write to us: info@stl.ee
STÜ management
The general meeting of STÜ members is the highest body, whose competence includes, for example, amending the statutes, changing the purpose, electing board members, approving the annual report, etc. The general meeting is usually convened by the board once a year.
STÜ has a one-member board (Triinu Aron), who organizes the daily activities of the association and is responsible for the organization’s statutory activities and long-term obligations. All substantive activities are based on the wishes and motivation of the performers themselves and last as long as there is demand for them and the performers have the motivation to implement them.
The Independent Dance Association (STÜ) has a 5-member creative council,called the Independent Dance Council, consisting of outside experts Evelyn Raudsepp, Keithy Kuuspu, Jüri Nael and Kai Valtna and also includes persons responsible for compiling the STL program. The work of the council is led by the creative director and the head of STÜ in one person.
The Independent Dance Association is currently accepting creative ideas for productions and projects to the email triinu @ stl.ee.
STÜ follows the ethical principles of non-governmental organizations in its activities (link: www.ngo.ee/eetikakoodeks)