PENKTOJI LAISVOJO PASAULIO LIETUVIŲ TAUTINIŲ ŠOKIŲ ŠVENTĖ
As printed in the program
“COMMEMORATING AMERICA'S BICENTENNIAL / AMERIKOS 200 METŲ SUKAKTIES MINĖJIMAS”
This 1976 catalog is distinctive for its overt political framing, explicitly tying the festival to America's Bicentennial while simultaneously asserting Lithuania's occupied status. The dual messaging—celebrating American pluralism while advocating for Lithuanian freedom—creates a tension that defines the diaspora's cultural diplomacy during the Cold War. The catalog also stands out for its detailed historical essay on Lithuanian folk dance, positioning the festival as both a living archive and a generational bridge.
— Žiburio Archive, editorial note
How this catalog frames the moment
OccupationThe catalog explicitly describes Lithuania as 'presently occupied and enslaved by the Soviet Union' and frames the festival as an act of resistance, expressing gratitude to America for supporting Lithuania's cause and hope for its eventual liberation.
Diaspora identityThe diaspora is framed as the custodian of Lithuanian culture and identity, preserving traditions 'beyond the borders of Lithuania' and passing them to younger generations who may never have seen the homeland. The festival is positioned as proof of the diaspora's vitality and commitment to Lithuania's future freedom.
What is left unsaidThere is no mention of Soviet Lithuania or any cultural exchange with the occupied homeland. The catalog does not acknowledge any contemporary Lithuanian cultural production under Soviet rule, instead treating diaspora culture as the sole legitimate continuation of Lithuanian traditions.
- Cover art
- ADOS KORSAKAITĖS-SUTKUVIENĖS
- Organized by
- JAV Lietuvių BendruomenėLithuanian Folk Dance Festivals, Inc.
- Pages
- 48–64
Official greetings in this program
“Occurring as it does in our Bicentennial year, it is a vivid reminder that we are a nation of nations and that we derive great vitality and strength from our diverse ancestral legacy.”
President Ford welcomes the festival as a celebration of America's diversity and the contributions of Lithuanian Americans to the nation's cultural heritage during its Bicentennial year.
“The Bicentennial is not only an occasion to review the events of our heritage but is also an opportunity to reinforce the concept that a pluralistic society can serve to highlight the grandeur of the democratic experiment by proving that diversity can produce harmony, cooperation and strength.”
The ARBA recognizes the festival for reflecting America's pluralistic society and the contributions of ethnic groups to the nation's strength and harmony.
“This Fifth Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival is our very special gift for your 200th Birthday.”
The festival is dedicated to America's Bicentennial as a gift from Lithuanians worldwide, expressing gratitude for America's support of Lithuanian freedom and cultural preservation.
“Surely those of Lithuanian heritage can be proud of the cultural achievements of their people.”
Senator Percy praises the cultural achievements of Lithuanians and extends best wishes for the festival.
“Jūsų darbas ir pasiaukojimas tebūna atlygintas džiaugsmu, kuri išgyvens mūsų tomčiai žiūrovai ir visi svečiai amerikiečiai matydau, toki kultūringą lietuvių tautos įnašą į Amerikos bu šimtų metų nepriklausomybės sukakties minėjimą.”
May your work and dedication be rewarded with the joy that our contemporary viewers and all American guests will experience seeing such a cultured contribution of the Lithuanian nation to the commemoration of America's two hundred years of independence.
“This Fifth Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival is our very special gift for your 200th Birthday.”
Themes articulated by this catalog
- 01The festival is a celebration of Lithuanian cultural heritage as a vital contribution to America's pluralistic society during its Bicentennial.
- 02Lithuanian folk dances are a living testament to the preservation of national identity and traditions despite displacement and occupation.
- 03The festival serves as a political statement of resistance, asserting Lithuania's occupied status and expressing hope for its eventual liberation with America's support.
- 04Folk dances are framed as both an artistic and historical archive, documenting Lithuania's pre-Christian, rural, and diasporic experiences.
- 05The event is positioned as a generational bridge, ensuring that Lithuanian youth in the diaspora remain connected to their ancestral homeland and cultural roots.
Named in this catalog · 13
More forthcoming as full-catalog transcription completes
- Danutė Bindokienė · Editor
- Bronius Juodelis · Chairman, Fifth Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival Committee
- Aloyzas Jurgutis · Conductor, Šventės orkestras
- Algis Modestas · Conductor, Šventės orkestras
- Alfonsas Mikulskis · Conductor, Lietuvių Liaudies Instrumentų ansamblis
- Julija Cijūnelienė · Program Director
- Jolita Kriaučeliūnaitė · Program Director
- Valdas V. Adamkus · Šventės Globėjas Presenter
- Magdalena Aviėtėnaitė · Folk Dance Collector
- Aldona Rugytė-Bulotienė · Folk Dance Collector
- Marija Baronaitė · Choreographer, Creator of New Dances
- Vytautas Beliajus · Organizer of First Lithuanian Folk Dance Group in USA
- Ona Ivaškienė · Founder of Boston Folk Dance Group
Ensembles · 8
More forthcoming as full-catalog transcription completes
- Jaunimo grupės šokėjai · Various, USA
- Veteranų grupės šokėjai · Various, USA
- Vaikų grupės šokėjai · Various, USA
- Šventės orkestras ir choras · Chicago, USA
- Lietuvių Liaudies Instrumentų ansamblis · Various, USA
- Bostono šokėjų grupė · Boston, USA
- Dainava · Displaced Persons Camps, Germany
- Čiurlionis · Displaced Persons Camps, Germany