GEGUZINE POLKA - A LIVELY MAY POLKA

This dance was created to celebrate joyful occasions. It is based on traditional Lithuanian folk dance figures and is popular with young and old alike.

ISKILMINGASIS TREJINIS - THE STATELY THREE-STEP

A slow, grand, and dignified dance. It is believed that "Iskilmingasis Trejinis" was originally used to begin the dancing at a wedding, and was to be led by either the parents of the Bride or the Groom, or both. The dance consists primarily of simple walking steps, always occurring in groups of three, and throughout the dance, one can feel the underlying 3/4 beat of the music. A wedding called for one's finest attire. The ladies, who learned to weave at an early age, proudly displayed their best and most intricately woven shawls.

JUODASIS JONKELIS - THE BLACK JACK

As recently as 30-40 years ago, there were quite a few people in Salantai, Seda, Mazeikiai, and Vieksniai counties of Lithuania who knew how to dance the Black Jack. However, nobody could tell where this strange name came from. Black Jack is similar to other quadrille type of dances: four or more couples dance either across from each other or form two opposing lines. Ideally, the dancers’ outfit should be of Samogitian style (from West-Northern part of Lithuania); better yet, the “competing” groups of dancers should wear costumes of different colors. The Black Jack is performed in a brisk, swift tempo with a skip step. The lines of couples exchange places in a playful weaving pattern, gracefully waving arms when passing each other. The composition performed by “JURA” was choreographed by Prof. Juozas Lingys and for the first time showcased by the state ensemble “Lietuva” in 1952.

KARKLAI - THE WILLOWS

"Willows waved on the hill
Water rippled in the valley
The girl came to draw water
The boy came riding by…"

This is the song of "Karklai" - a circle game-dance. The swaying of arms is characteristic to this dance.

KEPURINE - THE HAT DANCE

An old folk dance of hospitality and greeting popular in many areas of Lithuania. In years gone by, the dance was performed either by just men or just the girls. In more recent times, it has been performed only by the girls. "JURA" performs a new choreography of this dance that includes both men and women. This original choreography is by one of the "JURA" dancers, Rita Ceponiene.

KLUMPAKOJIS - THE WOODEN SHOE DANCE

This is very lively polka-type dance, popular all over the country, was first danced at the end of the 19th century. It gets its name from the wooden shoes that are worn during this dance. Wooden shoes were worn primarily in the Samogitia region of Lithuania. While other European countries have similar dances, this choreography is native to Lithuania. During the dance, a playful flirtation takes place between young men and girls, trying to steal each other’s shoes. The game ends nicely (of course!) - the dancers leave the stage in friendly couples.

MALUNAS - THE WINDMILL

As the name suggests, this dance recreates imagery of the windmill and the task of grinding grain. The dancers execute geometric formations depicting the sifting of the grain, transporting it to the mill, and finally the mill in action with the rotation of its sails and millstones. The lively tempo of the music complements the expressive gestures of this unique dance.

NORIU MIEGO - I WANT TO SLEEP

I want to sleep, sweet sleep - but I can not sleep… This dance arises from a song about a young lad who dreams and longs for his fair maiden. The dancers form circles and stars. It is one of the older dances still danced at Lithuanian social gatherings.

PRADES AUSRELE AUSTI - THE DAWN IS BREAKING

This dance with its' waltz rhythm, is based on a well known Lithuanian folk song - it is slow and dreamy. The movements suggest the rising of the sun and bursting of its rays.

PROTEVIU ZEME - THE LAND OF MY ANCESTORS

Ancient Lithuanians worshipped fire. This dance is a tribute to our ancestors and to the past that paved the road for future generations. Choreography by Juozas Lingys, music by Jonas Svedas.

PUTINELIS - THE HONEYSUCKLE

Putinas is the Lithuanian name for the lovely white blossom of the honeysuckle. It is also the pen name for the well known Lithuanian writer Vincas Mykolaitis. In honor of the 100th anniversary of Putinas' birth, Canadian choreographer Genovaite Breichmanas created a new folkloric dance naming it "Putinelis".

REZGINELE - THE SASH DANCE

This lyrical dance imitates how the newlyweds dance with their bridegrooms and bridesmaids, before departing for their new home. The dance expresses their hopes for a bright and happy future. During the dance, the groomsmen and bridesmaids bind the hands of the newlyweds with their sashes, symbolizing their togetherness.

RUSNIETIS - A MAN FROM RUSNE

A quadrille type dance from the region of Rusne in Lithuania.

SUBATELE - SATURDAY NIGHT FROLIC

This popular and highly entertaining dance originated in the northwestern region of Lithuania. It portrays the boy-girl tensions at the opening of the Saturday-night dance. The girls, first on the scene, start dancing in anticipation of the boys' arrival. The interest of the dance focuses on the selection of dance partners once the boys have arrived.

SUKTINIS - THE TWIRL

Another dance performed to a well-known Lithuanian folk song. The song begins: "Little bee, little gray bee, where do you gather your honey?"… "Suktinis" is probably the best known and the most enjoyed of folk dances among Lithuanians. Because of its relatively uncomplicated structure, it was danced at social gatherings by all in attendance - young and old alike. Over time, it became the traditional closing dance at every festivity.

ZOLYNELIS - THE SWAYING MEADOWS

The movements of the dancers imitate the swaying of flowers in the gently rolling fields of the countryside.