Liina Teose
 Liina Teose is director of the Portland Estonian Folk Dancers that her parents founded in 1950 after fleeing Estonia during World War II. Music and dance have historically been a means of expression and cultural preservation in Estonia. The Portland Estonian Folk Dancers group helps to keep Estonian culture alive for families in the Portland area. Liina grew up playing accordion and dancing with the group. She has worked with students of all ages for over 15 years.
Area: Portland area Estonian Singing Games & Dances: Residency Students will learn about the importance of music and dance in Estonian culture. Liina will teach some basic Estonian dance steps and bring examples of traditional dress and instruments as well. She first teaches simple dances or games that use walking and running steps. Students then learn more complicated steps (polkas, waltzes, schottisches, gallops) and integrate them into the dances. These may be circle or line dances often done in pairs. On the final day of the residency, Liina dresses in traditional clothing and brings her accordion so students can perform for families and classmates. Estonian Singing Games & Dances: Workshop Liina will come dressed in traditional Estonian dress. She will accompany the children in singing games and folk dancing on the accordion in this interactive workshop. CONTENT STANDARD CONNECTIONS: The Arts: Aesthetics & Art Criticism; Historical & Cultural Connections; Creating, Presenting & Performing Social Sciences: World History; Geography |