Saltatriculi (Latin for “little dancers”) is a historical dance ensemble from Tartu, dedicated to bringing the elegant and authentic dances of the 15th to 18th centuries to life. Since its founding in 2001, the ensemble has been enchanting audiences with historically accurate performances that capture the grace and sophistication of past eras.
Comprising around a dozen dancers, Saltatriculi performs choreographies faithful to historical sources, wearing period-appropriate costumes and often dancing to live music. Under the artistic direction of Külli Kressa, the ensemble reconstructs dances based on original manuscripts, drawing inspiration from renowned dance masters such as Thoinot Arbeau, Antonius Arena, Guglielmo Ebreo, Domenico da Piacenza, Fabritio Caroso, Cesare Negri, Livio Lupi da Caravaggio, and John Playford.
Saltatriculi offers audiences a true historical dance experience, reviving the movement patterns of centuries past—dances that once graced the grand courts and festive celebrations of European history.