The beginning of July marks a busy period for the dance groups at the Panevėžys Cultural Center. In the course of a single week, they will participate in two major Lithuanian cultural events—the Lithuanian Schoolchildren’s Song Festival and the 17th North American Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival.
From July 3–6, Vilnius is hosting the Lithuanian Schoolchildren’s Song Festival “Laiku. Ratu. Kartu,” which brings together thousands of children and young people from all over Lithuania. The Panevėžys Cultural Center’s children’s and youth folk dance ensemble “Grandinėlė,” which, together with other groups from across the country, fosters the traditions of Lithuanian folk dance and carries on the long-standing tradition of the Song Festivals.
Following the conclusion of the Lithuanian Schoolchildren’s Song Festival, on July 7, the junior group of the “Grandinėlė” children’s and youth folk dance ensemble and the “Miestelėnai” senior folk dance group from the Panevėžys Cultural Center will depart for the United States. From July 10–12, they will participate in the 17th North American Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival —one of the most important cultural events for Lithuanians abroad, bringing together folk dance groups from various countries around the world.
Participation in these events is a significant recognition for the groups and their leaders, the result of many years of work, and an opportunity to showcase Panevėžys, preserve the traditions of Lithuanian folk dance, and strengthen ties with the global Lithuanian community.
The Panevėžys Cultural Center wishes the groups successful performances, meaningful encounters, new experiences, and a safe journey.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to UAB “Hollister SSC Lithuania,” UAB “Stigma,” UAB “Kauptė,” UAB “Vilskanda,” UAB “Petro mėsinė,” MB “Klijuojam,” and the dancers’ parents who contributed to the trip with their support. Your support and trust made it possible for these young dancers to represent Panevėžys and Lithuania at the 17th North American Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival.
