Palestra was founded in 1978 as a dance club with unique style, combining elements from modern and jazz dance.  In 1983, the first documentary called “Palestra” was made, to be followed by films “Tempo”, “Elurõõm” (“Joy of Life”) and “Kevad südames” (“Heart full of spring”).  Palestra has also taken part in many commercials both for the Estonian and Russian television.

Palestra’s dance style is very unique and varied, blending in elements from modern, latin, jazz, funky and show dance. The different styles in different dance routines complete each other and build up to whole stage productions. Regular attention is also paid to classical and ballet classes to give the dancers a good posture and the right feeling.
Since its formation more than 20 years ago, Palestra has given more than 500 concerts, performed at festivals, anniversaries, conferences, seminars and different events and participated in many cultural programmes.  Performances have been created for theatre stages and outdoor facilities alike.

For more than ten times, Palestra has represented Estonia at the International Dance Festival in Kiel. In 2005 Palestra took part in World Cup in Dancing for Children and Young people in Poland. The win was achieved in all three categories that they took part in, with a highest score in the competition’s history.

Palestra has also participated in international festivals in Latvia, Lithuania, Russia (many times in Moscow and St Petersburg), the Czech Republic, Armenia, Georgia, Canada, France, China, Finland and Germany.