About Baltic Hop
Baltic Hop is a weekend Swing dance camp for our local communities, bringing together dancers from Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania at the beautiful Kadrina Manor nestled in the Estonian countryside (September 4–6). It's the perfect chance to learn from each other, share your passion for swing dancing, and make new friends. Come join the fun during a weekend full of amazing workshops by our local teachers, live music by The Home Jazz Band, and plenty of social dancing.
Registration opens on April 20th!
Impressions
Teachers & Band
We're not just connecting dancers — we're also bringing together fantastic teacher combinations, pairing experienced instructors from our neighboring countries! This cross-cultural exchange promises a rich learning experience for everyone.
We will have two levels of classes so please let us know about your experiences in the registration form. Both classes will have similar material from both pairs of teachers! 🙂
Maria Puustinen (Finland) & Karri Rasinmäki (Finland)
Karri and Maria are coming from Helsinki, Finland where they both started swing dancing more than 10 years ago. Over the decade they have taught courses, went to festivals, and practiced and analysed dance together. A common hobby has turned into a long-lasting friendship. Maria's contemporary dance background still shapes her approach to movement and Karri has turned his hobby into a full-time business with "Black Pepper Swing". When they dance together, it's creative, playful, and very conversational.
Eliisa & Janek Õunamägi (Estonia)
Eliisa and Janek Õunamägi are experienced Swing Dance instructors and the founders of Tallinn Swing Dance Society in Estonia, known for their special passion for Balboa. With a strong foundation in Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz, and Tap Dance, their classes emphasize clear communication, friendly encouragement, and a focus on partner connection for all levels. Known for their smiles and love for Jazz rhythms, Eliisa and Janek firmly believe in the power of a good dance and will be teaching both Balboa and Lindy Hop at Baltic Hop.
Home Jazz Band — Traditional Jazz Hooligans Since 2011
The Traditional Jazz and Swing collective Home Jazz Band will take you on a musical trip back to the speakeasy times. Since 2011, the group has been breaking standards, discovering works hidden in the chests of history, bringing them to new life. The listener not only immerses themselves in the whirlwind of dance, but after the concert also takes away knowledge about New Orleans street marches, vaudeville, sightseeing, big band music, and European Jazz. Home Jazz Band's Jazz is all kinds — authentic and sometimes punk rock, smooth as silk and sometimes rough and dirty. The most important thing is that it is real.
Find more about them on their website: homejazzband.lt/en.
Members:
Parties
Baltic Hop starts with a Saunaparty! Let's kick off the weekend with a Welcome Sauna on Friday evening. Meet your fellow dancers from your own and other communities, enjoy saunas on a hopefully warm September evening, have a few warm up dances and get ready for a wonderful weekend together.
Kadrina Manor even has a small relaxation centre on its basement floor. Beneath its impressive vaulted ceilings, you will find a classic Finnish sauna, a steam sauna, an infrared sauna, and a jacuzzi with massage jets and ambient lighting. Outside, under the starry sky, guests can enjoy a hot tub as well as the cosy warmth of a barrel sauna. And this is exactly the kind of wonderful setting where we will be spending our Friday evening
So on Friday evening you have the opportunity to enjoy all of it if you are interested. It is for a small extra cost. Choose it from the registration form if you want to use this possibility. You are welcome to join the party without going to the sauna as well
We will have a barbecue. Take the food and drinks you like with you and let's grill and chill in a relaxed atmosphere together. The music will be there as well and a small dancing area.
On Saturday we will dance the night away, as the main party features live music by The Home Jazz Band from Lithuania. The hall for our big dance party is in Kadrina Manor's Bull Barn! Yes, it's the very space where bulls once lived — and now it hosts rustic weddings and memorable events.
On Sunday afternoon who really wants to dance more a bit — we will meet up in Tartu once more for a little afterparty, winding down the weekend and sharing a few more dances with old and new friends before heading home. The place will be announced!
Venue & Accommodation
Baltic Hop 2026 will take place at Kadrina Manor, a charming guesthouse in Northern Tartumaa, in the Onion Route region. It is located just 2 km from Lake Peipus, 50 km from Tartu, and 193 km from Tallinn.
The manor's main house serves as a guesthouse. On the ground floor, there is a sauna complex (yes, of course we are going to enjoy that!) and the Short Men's Tavern. Why such a name? You'll find out sooner or later, and definitely by the first breakfast. On the two upper floors, there are cozy 2–4 person rooms and a small hall where we can dance as well.
Next to the manor stands the old Bull Barn, a venue now used for beautiful summer events. This is where we'll have our dance classes and where we'll throw our Saturday night party. Near the Bull Barn, there are also three-person cabins, as well as plenty of space for tents and camper vans.
Prices
The full pass includes the main party on Saturday, as well as four hours of Lindy Hop classes on Saturday. An extra two hours of Solo classes can be added without attending any other activities.
Early Bird (until July 30)
Regular Prices (after July 30)
Bed & Board
Accommodation prices are per person for two nights (Friday to Saturday, and Saturday to Sunday). Meals include breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, as well as lunch and dinner on Saturday. You can choose between a meat option and a vegetarian option during signup.
