About Spirit Studio
Our Story
Welcome to Spirit Studio, your go-to destination for electronic dance styles in Estonia. Founded by Johanna Karjus, Spirit Studio was born out of a deep passion for shuffle dance and a desire to share its incredible benefits with the Estonian community. Our mission is simple: to teach Estonian to dance to Electronic Dance Music.
Johanna's dedication to this dance and her vision for a thriving shuffle dance community in Estonia drive every aspect of Spirit Studio. With a commitment to excellence and a belief in the power of dance, we're here to inspire and empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds to discover the magic of electronic dances such as shuffle, house, DnB Step and Electro.
Our thanks to YOU
This studio would not have seen the daylight if it wasn't for all the people that helped to make our dream possible. In June-July 2023 we started a Hooandja campaign to collect funds for the studio's equipment. We collected a bit over our goal and we are so grateful for all our supporters:
Terje-Margitta Milder, Maria Pärli, Matthijs Alderliefste, Rait Rattik, Georgia Zanella, Leonel Luna Fischer, Petrov Vasily, Karin Marjapuu, Yulia Zaitseva, Karolin Oja, Frieda Jarausch, Kreete Kukumägi, Kurmo Konsa, Natali Aosaar, Arle-Martin Kuura, Markus Vernik, Ella Ebbecke, Krista-Maria Uusitalo, Caroline Lasseron, Karl Kristjan Kuimet, Eena Salorinta, Florian Cabane, Tiiu Niglas, Rüüt Kaljula, Alexander Peckham, Marianne Haug, Jadivan Escapes, Hiroki Kaminaga, Annie Saavan, Silver Ehandi, Morten-Endrik Milder, OÜ Macadam Group, Berkus Karchebnyy and 26 other people.
Meet the Team
Meet our wonderful spirits leading the way for our dancers:
Founder and teacher
Johanna Maria Karjus
Johanna, founder of Spirit Studio, is an international shuffle dancer and teacher dedicated to growing Estonia’s shuffle community. She creates a welcoming space where people can express themselves, connect, and experience the culture of shuffling.
Teacher
Galina Bazarkina
Galina is a passionate dancer with experience in styles from hip-hop to modern jazz, and a long-time dream of learning shuffle. Now part of Spirit Studio, she loves the freedom, joy, and community that shuffle brings.
Teacher
Kristjan Kask
Kristjan combines the precision of an IT specialist with the passion of a performer, bringing energy and sincerity to everything he does. Deeply connected to the DnB scene since 2011, he now channels that music’s power into dance, sharing its unique energy at Spirit Studio.
Teacher
Andrew Shalter
Andrew is one of Estonia’s first Electro dancers, with over 12 years of experience and a deep knowledge of the style’s evolution. He has represented Electro in battles across Europe and continues to share his expertise at Spirit Studio.
Teacher
Julius M. Simm
Julius has been dancing since 2014, specializing in House alongside Hip-Hop, Popping, and other street styles. With experience in battles, performances, and training across Europe and the USA, he brings high energy, character, and a fun, dynamic approach to teaching at Spirit Studio.
Teacher
Rasmus Suurpere
Rasmus discovered Vogue in 2017 and has since trained with top international icons like Leiomy Maldonado and Coco Lanvin, alongside Estonia’s own Ballroom community. An active competitor at balls both locally and abroad, bringing passion and expertise to Spirit Studio.
Teacher
Anna Kisseljova
Anna has been dancing since age 4, but Afrobeats sparked a new passion that led her to train abroad with professional African dance teachers. Now, through the Afroest group, she shares the vibrant culture and diverse styles of African dance in Estonia.
Teacher
Ann Lember
Ann discovered her true passion for dance during COVID, finding confidence and freedom through daily practice. Since 2023, she has focused on shuffle, aiming to grow as a dancer and express herself fully through movement.