The festival began on May 14 with the announcement of the remote competition results on the Šiauliai Cultural Center website and Facebook page. This year, dancers from Ukraine, Estonia, Denmark, the Czech Republic, and Georgia participated in the online competition.
On May 15, the first stage of the competition, dedicated to folk dance, took place at the Šiauliai Cultural Center, featuring performances by groups from Lithuania and abroad. On the same day, Povilas Višinskis Square hosted the Happiness Festival “The Sun Was Brewing”, inviting families and participants of all ages to an afternoon filled with music, creativity, and positive emotions. The event featured performances by Laura’s Studio (director Laura Remeikienė) and the dance and creative arts studio Scena (director Giedrė Kalakauskaitė), as well as artistic workshops, creative activities, and the cheerful “Buzzing of the Fly and the Mosquito” entertainment program.
In the evening, a colorful parade of festival participants wound its way through the city streets, bringing together dancers from Lithuania and other countries. The festive procession culminated in the official opening ceremony of the festival. During the event, Šiauliai Cultural Center Director Deimantė Bačiulė delivered a welcome address and expressed gratitude to the entire creative team. Festival participants performed alongside dancers from the Šiauliai Cultural Center choreography studio Aušrelė (Art Directors Mantas Kosaitis and Vaida Adomėnaitė-Butnorienė), while the winners of the first competition stage were honored and awarded. The celebratory atmosphere continued with the traditional folk dance gathering “Everyone Dances”, encouraging audiences not only to watch but also to join the communal dance circle. The evening’s atmosphere was enhanced by the folklore ensemble Aldija of the Radviliškis City Cultural Center (director Darius Stakvilevičius).
The festival program will continue throughout the weekend. On May 16, the second stage of the competition, dedicated to contemporary dance, will take place at the Šiauliai Cultural Center. Later that evening, at 7 p.m., audiences in Povilas Višinskis Square will have the opportunity to see the exceptional performance “Sea” by the Kaunas Dance Theatre Aura, created to the music of M. K. Čiurlionis. The performance offers a sensitive interpretation of the relationship between humanity and nature, inviting reflection on contemporary social issues and environmental responsibility.
On the final day of the festival, May 17, the classical dance competition will be held at the Šiauliai Cultural Center. At 3 p.m., the festival will conclude with the Baltic Ballet Theatre’s performance “Karl and the Flowers”. This colorful production for the whole family tells the story of the magician Karl and his magical garden, exploring themes of friendship, compassion, and inner beauty. The ballet features music by Patrick Doyle from the Harry Potter films, complemented by video installations that enrich the storytelling experience.
The organizers note that in case of unfavorable weather conditions, outdoor events will be moved to the Šiauliai Cultural Center. The full program of the 19th International Dance Festival-Competition “Aušrinė Žvaigždė” can be found on the Šiauliai Cultural Center website (www.siauliukc.lt).
For more information, please contact Zita Mundinienė, Cultural Activities Manager of the Aušrelė Choreography Studio at the Šiauliai Cultural Center, mobile: +370 678 36 701, email: zita.mundiniene@siauliukc.lt.
Photo by Liubov Yarmoshenko.
