Vastseliina Community Centre
In 1956, a cultural centre was completed in the centre of the Vastseliina district. Initially, it was called the House of Agro-Zoopropaganda. In the same year, the Vastseliina Library also moved into the building. In 1991, the building was renamed – the Vastseliina Cultural Centre became the Vastseliina Community Centre.
A historical video created for the 65th anniversary of the Vastseliina Community Centre
The Vastseliina Community Centre houses the Vastseliina Library, the NGO Vastseliina Handicraft Association, the Heldela Club for seniors, and a classroom for percussion studies of the Vastseliina Music School. A cinema also operates in the building.
The main hall of the community centre seats 200 people, and the café has 20 seats (up to 30 at a long table). The conference room, also known as the White Room, has 20 seats.
Traditional events celebrated at the Vastseliina Community Centre include Independence Day of the Republic of Estonia, spring festivities, the beginning of the Advent season, Christmas parties for seniors and children, a Christmas fair, an occasional New Year’s Eve celebration, and celebrations of folk calendar holidays (Shrovetide, St. George’s Day, etc.). In addition, dance evenings, concerts, theatre performances, green exchange events, and various excursions are organised.
The building was last renovated externally in 2004 and internally in 2005. The library was renovated in 2005. In 2020, landscaping and vertical planning works were carried out around the building.
Accessibility
The Vastseliina Community Centre is a three-storey building. The front and sides of the building are paved with cobblestones, and there is a green area behind the building. A 12-space parking lot is located to the left in front of the building.
During events, entry is through the main door, which is accessed by a three-step staircase. For wheelchair users, a removable ramp can be placed on the stairs; it is stored in the first corridor by the entrance. There is no permanent ramp at the community centre.
Events take place on the first and second floors. On the first floor, the mirrored hall and restrooms are located to the left upon entering. Wheelchair access to these rooms is possible with assistance. There is no accessible restroom.
The hall and café are located on the second floor. Access to the second floor is via a staircase consisting of three flights with two intermediate landings. Halfway up, the staircase splits into two branches leading to the second-floor foyer from both the left and right sides. Handrails are present on both sides of the first flight and on one side of the subsequent flights. There is no stair climber, so wheelchair access to the second floor is only possible with assistance. Movement in the hall and café is wheelchair-friendly due to wide doors and the absence of thresholds. There are no restrooms on the second floor.
Hobby Groups
The following hobby groups operate at the Vastseliina Community Centre:
- Girls’ folk dance group Moonid – instructor Monika Jõemägi
- Children’s and youth drama group – instructor Kairi Kuusk
- Play-based exercise for kindergarten children – instructor: private sports school SEPPS
- Character dance group Gruuvikeerajad – instructor Marit Sillaste
- Theatre group Naeru-Lained – instructor Marit Sillaste
- Mixed folk dance group Kullerid – instructor Inga Leelanss
- Heldela Club vocal ensemble – instructor Edda-Karin Luht
- Heldela Club dance group – instructor Valentina Larionova
- Vastseliina–Misso Brass Band – instructor Valdur Helm
- Aerobics – instructor Maire Kaur
- Vastseliina Handicraft Association – instructor Margit Olesk
- Women’s folk dance group Naistepuna – instructor Annika Laanpere
- Alumni mixed folk dance group Kae Noh – instructor Inga Leelanss
- Jumping fitness – instructor Irene Sulger
- Yoga – instructor Liilia Tiks
Vastseliina is especially well known for its folk dance tradition, which for many years was led by dance heritage bearer and guardian, “dance grandmother” Helju Müürsepp (1926–2016). She was one of Estonia’s most distinguished folk dance instructors, not only in her home region but nationwide. In her honour, a memorial bench was installed in front of the Vastseliina Community Centre in 2014. Helju Müürsepp’s teachings and legacy are carried on by today’s dance instructors and dancers of the Vastseliina Community Centre. Vastseliina dance groups have represented Võru County at local, regional, and national dance festivals.
