“Vieversio šokiai” Brought a Celebration of Live Music and Dance to Šiauliai

On the evening of February 18, 2026, the entertainment hall “Maksas” of the Šiauliai Cultural Center was filled with the bustle of live music and dance – the folklore dance evening “Vieversio šokiai” took place here. City residents gathered in a shared circle, sharing the joy of movement, the vitality of tradition, and the simple yet special warmth of being together. The event was dedicated to Lark Day – a symbol of the anticipation of spring and reviving life, therefore through dance and music the earth seemed to be awakened and the returning spring invited. The evening gathering was open to everyone, and this year special attention was given to young people and participants of the older generation – those for whom communal dance becomes a bridge between experiences, memories, and the present day.

Organizer – Šiauliai Cultural Center. Partner – Šiauliai Dainai Music School.

During the evening, the spirit of living tradition filled the hall – dance here became not only movement, but also a language of togetherness connecting different generations. Those gathered confidently joined the circles, followed the rhythm of the music, and shared the simple joy of being together. It was an evening where the most important thing was not the precision of steps, but smiles, improvisation, and the freedom to move as the heart leads.

The dancers were accompanied by the instrumental group of the Šiauliai Dainai Music School folklore ensemble “Vieversėlis” (leader A. Stankus) and the Šiauliai Cultural Center folklore ensemble “Vijolė” (artistic director A. Stankus). Live music, traditional rhythms, and the mastery of experienced musicians created a cozy and engaging atmosphere that invited participants not to let go of the dance until the very end of the evening.

Event participants not only danced, but also engaged in traditional games, shared activities, spontaneous laughter, and conversations. Everyone stepped into the circle – both long-time nurturers of folklore and those who simply wished to try or recall dances once danced in the past. The evening once again reminded that living tradition unfolds when it is shared.

Information provided by Aušra Brijūnienė, Head of the Amateur Arts Department of the Šiauliai Cultural Center, mob. +370 655 25 527, e-mail ausra.brijuniene@siauliukc.lt.

Photo by Liubov Yarmoshenko.