6.5.2025 | Culture

From the time of dances to timelessness—

Experience a unique dance performance in a medieval church nave.

Text and photos Susanna Poikela

A dance series inspired by life and death begins at the St Nicholas Church and Museum, interpreting the famous painting “Dance of Death”. Contemporary dancers Maria Solei Järvet and Juulius Vaiksoo will present their own interpretation of the now world-famous “Dance of Death”, which was completed in the workshop of Lübeck master Bernt Notke at the end of the 15th century.

The dance performances “Dances of Life for Eternity” (Elutantsud igavikule) deal with the themes of life and death through contemporary dance. The choreography is mainly by Maria Solei Järvet and Juulius Vaiksoo, and choreographer and dancer Teet Kask has been involved in developing and directing it.

The performances will be held in the medieval church nave of the St Nicholas Church and Museum, where the original painting is also on display. The high arched vaults and the massive column rising in the middle of the hall bring their own challenges and opportunities to the space.

“The church nave as a space is captivating. On the wall we see the “Dance of Death”, high arches open up above, and in the middle of the nave is this column, around which the dancers move. It is like a pillar of life. In order for dance to arise, the space must open up, as if becoming one with it,” Teet Kask describes.

The dance series “Dances of Life for Eternity” symbolically interprets the central theme of the “Dance of Death”: death is an inseparable part of life, but not necessarily its end, but the beginning of a new journey. Death touches everyone equally and can invite anyone to dance, as part of a greater journey. The work invites us to reflect on time, the cycle of life, and the meaning of the individual, combining visual, vocal, and dance expression. The instrument used is drums.

The historical atmosphere of the St Nicholas Church and Museum is part of the performance. The viewer is simultaneously in the present and in a timeless space.

“Every day we live with the left and right sides. Without one there is no other—one gives meaning to the other. Without these plus and minus poles, there is no energy that makes the lamp light up to allow for reading by light. Every day we must live alongside life and death so that their combined effect brings awareness of true presence. This experience prepares us for the continuum after the end of the body,” says Teet Kask.

The premiere of the St Nicholas Church and Museum’s “Dances of Life for Eternity” dance performance will be held today, 6 May 6, at 19:00. Other performances will be held on 6, 13, 20, 28 May and 2–3 June. Tickets can be purchased here.