 Why do Lithuanians Folk Dance?
The versatility of the [folk] dance expresses a range of emotions;
executes examples of farm work; imitates typical movements of birds, farm
animals and even some flowers; and celebrates special occasions of the life
cycle. In olden days, country folk observed funeral rites with appropriate
somber dances.
One theme absent from Lithuanian dances is that of war and battle
despite the fact that Lithuania was always surrounded by powerful, hostile
neighbors intent upon erasing Lithuanias existence from the map.
Among Lithuanian exiles, folk dancing ignited enthusiasm...Not only
were we able to express our pride and joy in our dancing among ourselves,
but we were also able to demonstrate to diverse audiences our Lithuanian
heritage and our love for it. We aim to pass it on to future generations as
well.
Source: The Significance of Folk Dancing in the Life
of Lithuanians Abroad by Genovaitė Breichmanienė in The XI Lithuanian
Folk Dance Festival 2000-Program Book (Toronto, CA: Danaitis Associates,
Inc.; 2000)
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