In anticipation of the 100th anniversary, dancer Vija Vētra has prepared a concert “Dance of a Lifetime” / Article

Latvian choreographic legend Vija Vētra, who lives in New York, visits Latvia every year and participates in concerts organized by the foundation named after her. In February of next year, the artist will celebrate her centenary, and in anticipation of this event, next week I will give a concert entitled “Dance of Life” at the Riga Latvian Society House.

“The whole evening is in my choreography. There is East, there is West. The beginning is Indian dancing, as always, and in the second part, one dance that I would like to mention is very important to me – Arthur Muscat Tango,” says Vija Vētra about the upcoming concert. .

Ancient mythological stories about Delphi’s priestess Pete and the queen of the underground kingdom Persephone will also come to life in dance and music. “Persephone, for example, which comes from the darkness of the underworld once a year above the earth and brings spring to humanity,” says Vija Vētra. “You see, we have spring right now. It’s not something so isolated, it’s all about our daily lives. Just like the war in Ukraine – and Pythia anticipates the danger of war in its oracle.”

With the participation of pianist Vestrad Šimkus, these myths and choreographic stories will come to life in the improvisation of dance and music. The concert of Vija Vētras dancers “Rituāls” and dance school “Dzirnas” will also take part in the concert. But, of course, the dance of Vija’s Storm itself will be at the center of the program.

“Well, there will be two hours to dance if I can. If not, I’ll sit down and explain the dance to imagine my own fantasy,” the artist notes.

Vija Storm master classes, which will take place this year as well, have already become a tradition. It will be an introduction to the art of Indian dance and movement, as well as another opportunity for young dancers to develop professionally.

“young people think they don’t have to work at all, you go on stage and shout, and they have a dance. But I don’t accept it as a dance. It’s not a dance yet. Dance is a sacred art for me personally,” emphasizes Vija Vētra. .

The concert will take place on June 16 at the Riga Latvian Society House. Guna Oškalne Vējiņa’s photo exhibition “Dance in a Step for a Century” dedicated to Vija Vētra is already on display.

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