Šokių diena "Sodauto": tradicijos ir pokyčiai

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Dainų ir šokių šventė; Dalyviai; Dalyviai ir žiūrovai; Koncertinė Vieta; Lietuvos Dainų Šventė; Tematika; Vieta; Šokių diena; Concert Place; Dance day; Lithuania; Lithuanian Song Festival; Participants; Participants and viewers; Place; Song and Dance Celebration; The subject.

ENIn 2014, the 90th anniversary of the Lithuanian Song Festival was commemorated. As is traditionally the case, Lithuanian Song Festivals integrate events of various artistic genres, including songs sung by loads of people, wind orchestras and folk music concerts, folk art exhibitions, theatrical performances and many other events. However, in the history of Song Festivals, the deepest traditions are attributed to song and dance events. This article focuses on the Dance Day concert and discusses its traditions and developments. The analysis of the observations made by the author while taking part in different Dance Day organizational activities (rehearsals, examinations), results of a survey carried out among dancers from different dance groups, and an analysis of articles describing various Song Festival’s events invite to develop a discussion on the preservation of the event’s traditions and the need for their development. The tradition of Song Festivals and, at the same time, Dance Day concerts’ tradition enables us to assume responsibility for the maintenance and continuity of these traditions. On the one hand, rules that had been created and established during decades allow dancers to better see the possibilities how separate dances could be adapted for dancing them in a big square and to compose the desired dance compositions. On the other hand, it could be worth to consider certain developments of these rules, as for instance, the possibility to invite dance groups of more various and changing composition, not only those composed of eight pairs of dancers.It cannot be forgotten that Song Festivals have to remain celebrations indeed. Therefore, organisers have not only to create a great show for the spectators, but also the festive atmosphere, dedicating more attention to the very participants by providing them not only with the accommodation but also by organizing events, festive song and dance evenings where they could participate all together. Organization and creation of the Dance Day celebrations cannot be a matter of concern only to choreographers-creators. The responsibility and duty for continuing, need and meaning of the festival should be taken and shared by representatives of different institutions and certain requirements, acts and laws should become functional and not only be written in paper documents. Even the most wonderful dancers, creative choreographers and talented creators will never be able to create a highly enjoyable and perfect spectacle without a proper national stadium. Likewise, if we fail to attract viewers by presenting appealing reportages or artistic TV broadcasting, the spectators will lose the enthusiasm to watch such events, attend them and keep themselves informed about the Song Festival. Therefore, only the complex aim to continue Song Festivals’ traditions and, at the same time, to search for attractive and modern ways to create these festivals, can provide better possibilities to implement these events and to assure the need for them. [From the publication]