XI LIETUVIŲ TAUTINIŲ ŠOKIŲ ŠVENTĖ
As printed in the program
“Ryškus meninio prado turtinimas ir atstovavimas iš Lietuvos – net keturi ansambliai šoks drauge su mumis, jungdamiesi į bendrą šokių pynę.”
This catalog is distinctive for its explicit emphasis on the inclusion of ensembles from Lithuania, marking a shift toward greater integration between the diaspora and the homeland. The political framing of the festival as a tool for cultural preservation during occupation and diaspora is particularly pronounced, with contributions from high-profile figures like Bishop Baltakis reinforcing this narrative. The catalog also reflects a strong intergenerational focus, positioning folk dance as a means of connecting youth to their heritage.
— Žiburio Archive, editorial note
How this catalog frames the moment
OccupationThe catalog explicitly acknowledges the role of folk dance festivals in preserving Lithuanian national spirit during the Soviet occupation, framing them as acts of cultural resistance and unity.
Diaspora identityThe catalog positions the diaspora as an extension of Lithuania, emphasizing the festival's role in maintaining Lithuanian identity, language, and traditions abroad. It highlights the festival as a space for intergenerational transmission and community-building among scattered Lithuanians.
What is left unsaidThe catalog does not directly address contemporary political issues in Lithuania, such as the transition to independence or post-Soviet challenges. There is also no mention of non-Lithuanian or multicultural influences on the diaspora community.
- Cover art
- Snaigės Šileikienės
- Organized by
- XI LTŠŠ Rengėjų KomitetasLietuvių tautodailės institutas Toronto skyrius
- Pages
- 80-120
Official greetings in this program
“Folk dance is an extraordinarily eloquent way of expressing the whole range of human experience and the life and times of Lithuania over the ages.”
Clarkson congratulates the Lithuanian communities of Canada and the U.S. on the festival, emphasizing unity, diversity, and harmony as ideals of North America. She highlights folk dance as a way to express Lithuanian heritage and faith in the younger generation.
“The preservation and enhancement of heritage, tradition and culture are central to Canada's vision of nationhood.”
Chrétien welcomes participants to the festival, celebrating the preservation of heritage and tradition as central to Canada's vision of nationhood. He praises the festival as a showcase of Lithuanian culture.
“Tautinių šokių šventės puoselėjo tautinę dvasią, jungė išsisklaidžiusius lietuvius, teikė progą jaunimui susipažinti ir kurti lietuviškas šeimas, lengvino kelią mišrių šeimų jaunimui įsijungti į lietuviškos bendruomenės gyvenimą, garsino Lietuvos vardą.”
Folk dance festivals nurtured the national spirit, united scattered Lithuanians, provided an opportunity for youth to meet and create Lithuanian families, eased the path for youth from mixed families to integrate into Lithuanian community life, and promoted Lithuania's name.
“This publication, for the eleventh time, testifies to our bond with Lithuania—of organizers, dancers, spectators, and supporters alike.”
Šis leidinys vienuoliktą kartą liudija mūsų visų – tiek rengėjų, tiek šokėjų, šių žiūrovų ir rėmėjų – ryšį su Lietuva.
Themes articulated by this catalog
- 01The festival serves as a vital link to Lithuania for the diaspora, uniting Lithuanians scattered across the globe through shared cultural heritage and dance.
- 02The inclusion of four ensembles from Lithuania marks a significant evolution in the festival's history, symbolizing a direct connection to the homeland and enriching diaspora identity.
- 03Folk dance festivals are framed as a means of preserving national spirit, especially during periods of occupation, and fostering community among Lithuanians abroad.
- 04The festival is positioned as a celebration of Lithuanian culture that transcends borders, bringing together participants from multiple continents to share and renew bonds.
- 05The catalog emphasizes the role of folk dance in educating and inspiring future generations, ensuring the continuity of Lithuanian traditions outside Lithuania.
Named in this catalog · 19
More forthcoming as full-catalog transcription completes
- Aušra Karkienė · Redakcinės komisijos narė
- Jurgis Kuliėšius · Redakcinės komisijos narė
- Rasa Kurienė · Redakcinės komisijos narė
- Irena Meiklejohn · Redakcinės komisijos narė
- Irena Ross · Redakcinės komisijos narė, redaktorė, anglų kalbos vertėja
- Ramūné Sakalaitė-Jonaitienė · Redakcinės komisijos narė, XI LTŠŠ rengėjų komiteto pirmininkė
- Česlovas Senkevičius · Redakcinės komisijos narys
- Vida Tumosienė · Redakcinės komisijos narė
- Marytė Vasiliauskienė · Redakcinės komisijos narė
- Genė Valiūnienė · Grafikos dizainerė
- Vincas Piečaitis · XI LTŠŠ rengėjų komiteto pirmininkas
- Juozas Karasiejus · Meno vadovas, choreografas, Gintaro ansamblio globėjas
- Rita Narušytė-Karasiejienė · Meno vadovė, choreografė, Gintaro ansamblio mokytoja ir programos tvarkytoja
- Rasa Lukoševičiūtė-Kurienė · Programos vedėja
- Rimas Paulionis · Dekoracijos
- Rob Sonoda · Apšvietimas ir garsas
- Aldona Zanderienė · Atžalyno ansamblio vadovė
- Anita Strumilienė · Aido ansamblio vadovė
- Margarita Žemaitienė · Aido ansamblio pavaduotoja
Ensembles · 5
More forthcoming as full-catalog transcription completes
- Gintaras · Toronto, Canada
- Atžalynas · Toronto, Canada
- Aidas · Kansas City, USA
- Vytauto Didžiojo universiteto ansamblis 'Žilvitis' · Kaunas, Lithuania
- Ansamblis 'Lietuva' · Vilnius, Lithuania