'Enviro dance' festival heading for Ropaži

Take note – story published 9 years ago

While much cultural attention is focused on Riga during its stint as European Capital of Culture for 2014 and its annual City Festival running August 15-17, it by no means has a monopoly on artistic excellence as the forthcoming contemporary dance festival Vides Deja (Environmental Dance) 2014 should prove in Ropaži, 30km north-east of the capital.

Taking place August 25-31, nine contemporary dance productions will be performed by both local and foreign dancers.

All those interested will be able to participate in dance workshops and performances led by professional choreographers and artists, as well as watch dance films, listen to a debate and go on bike tours. Entry to all festival events is free of charge.

Visitors to Ropaži for Vides deja 2014 will include renowned Czech choreographer Lenka Vagnerova’s dance company and Norwegian contemporary dance choreographer duet Siri and Snelle.

Alongside the international artists, festival visitors can watch the latest production by local choreographer Olga Žitluhina, a full-evening dance show Ārā (Outdoors), which has been nominated for a number of prestigious awards, including Performance of the Year at Latvia’s theatre awards Spēlmaņu nakts 2013/2014.

Festival visitors will also be able to see productions from choreographers Lilija Lipora and Elīna Breice.

“This year, we have chosen human relationships and humanity as the main themes for the festival dance program,” Festival Artistic Director, choreographer Lilija Lipora told LSM.

Participants and visitors alike will be encouraged to take part in brand new environmental dance performances and productions in the open air, to be created during the festival with the help of choreographers.

“To date, more than 150 people have participated in festival performances, including professional dancers, dance enthusiasts, dance studio students, musicians and choreographers” said Lipora.

The Festival is being held in Ropaži District for the second successive year, having previously attracted several hundred visitors and lovers of the art of dance.

“We are really proud and pleased that Ropaži and the surrounding area inspires the creation of new works of art and district residents and visitors are able to enjoy high-class artistic events in the regions” said Sanita Megere-Klevinska, Manager of the Ropaži Municipality Center for Culture and Education.

Performances will also take place in neighbouring districts Garkalne, Tīnūži, Ikšķile, Stopiņi and Inčukalns.

See www.videsdeja.lv for a detailed festival programme.

Seen a mistake?

Select text and press Ctrl+Enter to send a suggested correction to the editor

Select text and press Report a mistake to send a suggested correction to the editor

Related articles

More

Most important