OLAINE SECONDARY SCHOOL NO 1LATVIA2010

Folk dances and music in Latvia

Lifelong Learning Multirateral School Project

“We all came here from somewhere”

WHAT ARE FOLK DANCES ? They are dances performed at social functions by people

with little or no professional training, often to traditional music or music based on traditional music.

They are not designed for public performance or the stage, although traditional folkdances may be later arranged and set for stage performances.

New dancers often learn informally by observing others and/or receiving help from others.

LATVIAN FOLK DANCES Latvian folk dances has its origins in the traditions of the

Baltic tribes, that arrived in the Baltic region approximately 2000 years BC.

Dances show day-to-day life of the rural communities, for example, sowing, harvesting, fishing, as well as specific events - marriage, birth.

There are dances to celebrate the changes of the seasons.

LATVIAN FOLK DANCES Over time, the folk dances have been formalized into

choreographed presentations based on traditional dance patterns.

LATVIAN FOLK DANCES Dancers wear folk costumes made of wool and linen.

LATVIAN FOLK DANCES The woman's marital status is shown by her headdress.

LATVIAN FOLK DANCESIn each part of Latvia there are different costumes.

Kurzeme Zemgale

LATVIAN FOLK DANCES

Vidzeme Latgale

LATVIAN FOLK DANCES

Most dances are performed with a partner in four or more couple formations.

During the dance dancers often switch partners – it gives

an opportunity for them to be acquainted with others.

LATVIAN FOLK DANCESSteps are based on the polka or gallop motives.

LATVIAN FOLK SONG AND DANCE FESTIVAL

First - 1873, Riga – 45 choirs and 1019 participants. 1948- the dance element was added. There are two kinds of this festival – adults and school

children and youth. They take place every 5 years with two years difference.

was bestowed the title of

"Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of

Humanity" by UNESCO.

It can boast over 20 000 people in national dress singing at the same time and place!

Thank your for your attention!