Folk dance group “Šėvulis” celebrated its 10th anniversary of creative activity

On March 21, 2026, a festive concert titled “Kazys’ Buzz” took place at the Šiauliai Cultural Center, dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the creative activity of the Šiauliai Cultural Center folk dance group “Šėvulis” (art director Greta Petrauskė). A large crowd of the group’s admirers, friends from various cities in Lithuania, and guests from abroad gathered to congratulate the юбиляры. Together, they created a celebration full of folk dance, togetherness, and a sense of living tradition. The event was hosted by actor and television presenter Justinas Jankevičius – his appearance became a pleasant surprise for many.
Organizer – Šiauliai Cultural Center.

The history of the folk dance group “Šėvulis” began in 2016 from a special impulse – a desire to continue what had already become part of life. The children of the current dancers had previously danced in the Šiauliai Jovaras Progymnasium and Didždvaris Gymnasium children’s and youth folk dance ensemble “Šėltinis,” and the parents, inspired by their example and the emotions experienced, decided to step onto the stage themselves. A one-time performance turned into an ongoing activity – thus a group was born, still united by a love for folk dance, respect for tradition, and a strong sense of community.

Led by art director Greta Petrauskė, the group existed as an independent folk dance ensemble for eight years. A turning point came in 2024, when they participated for the first time in the centennial Lithuanian Song Celebration “May the Forest Grow Green” – in the Dance Day “Bridges of Ages.” In September of the same year, the group joined the Šiauliai Cultural Center, becoming part of its family of artistic ensembles.

“Your dedication and respect for Lithuanian folk dance traditions enrich the city’s cultural life, and each performance testifies to maturity, unity, and love for the stage. May your accumulated experience become a solid foundation for new creative aspirations, and may the coming years bring even more inspiration, strength, and meaningful encounters with audiences,” said the director of the Šiauliai Cultural Center, Deimantė Bačiulė, while congratulating the group during the festive evening.

Over the decade, the group not only grew but also actively performed in Lithuania and abroad, built creative friendships, and created its own unique story. On March 21, this was reflected on stage – the anniversary celebrants were greeted with dances and songs by the Palanga Cultural Center senior folk dance group “Banguolis” (leader Eglė Baltriukienė), the Šiauliai Cultural Center folk dance group “Vajaunas” (art director Romualdas Laugalis), the Baloži Cultural Center senior folk dance group “Baloži” (team leader Mārtiņš Ezeriņš), the Širvintos Cultural Center senior folk dance group “Viesula” (leader Loreta Putvinskaitė-Vičienė), the Visaginas Cultural Center senior folk dance group “Gervė” (leader Ugnius Cikanas), and the Vilnius city folk music and dance ensemble “Vilnis” (art director Rimutė Zaleckaitė). A particularly meaningful performance was given by the Šiauliai Jovaras Progymnasium and Didždvaris Gymnasium children’s and youth folk dance ensemble “Šėltinis” (art directors Violeta and Romualdas Laugaliai, Greta Petrauskė, Germanas Urbonavičius) – it is in this ensemble that the origins of “Šėvulis” lie.

During the festive concert, there was also a playful search for Kazys, after whom the entire event – “Kazys’ Buzz” – was named. In fact, Kazys is not only the character of the first dance of the folk dance group “Šėvulis,” who brought the members together for a shared adventure, but also an entire story of a spinning dance, where every step leaves a trace of love. He is the quiet, unifying force that turns individual people into one breathing family, and the rehearsal hall into a second home. Kazys reminds us that dance is not just a sequence of movements – it is the language of the heart, connecting generations and preserving the warmth of togetherness.

The anniversary concert became not only an opportunity to mark the path traveled but also a reminder that folk dance today remains alive, unifying, and meaningful. The story of the folk dance group “Šėvulis” continues – created through people, movement, and shared experience that connects generations.

More photos can be found on the Šiauliai Cultural Center Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=siauliukulturoscentras&set=a.1415227520648075

Photo by Rolandas Parafinavičius.

Information provided by Aušra Brijūnienė, Head of the Amateur Art Department of the Šiauliai Cultural Center, tel. +370 655 25 527, email ausra.brijuniene@siauliukc.lt.