University of Tartu Folk Art Ensemble

Ilmar Reidla brought together different faculty groups in Tartu State University (TRÜ; name of Tartu University during occupation times) and folk dance group with 10–12 pairs was formed in 1945. Reidla acted as supervisor until 1948 when Ester Prinits took over. In 1951 Estonian Agricultural Academy was formed from three Tartu State University faculties (Veterinary Science, Forestry, Agriculture). Students formed their own group under guidance of forestry student Ilmar Reidla. As of spring 1953 only four pairs had remained and they merged with Tartu Teachers Institute group whose leader was Helju Mikkel. Soon new students started to join and in autumn 1954 it was already possible to form three different training groups. Folk orchestra and some singers also merged with the group. Newly formed ensemble was composed of over 40 students and it gave its first concert in 1955. Ensemble celebrated its 20th jubilee in 1965. Ants Siimer and Kaljo Soonets set together a comprehensive overview of the ensembles activities over the years and based on this TRÜ RKA was given an honorable title of meritorious ensemble of Estonian SSR. == Gallery ==