The Success of “Zeperi” at the Dance Competition in Riga

Līgatne’s middle generation dance collective, “Zeperi,” recently participated in the final of a dance group competition held at the international exhibition hall in Riga, Ķīpsala. The competition featured nine dance collectives from the middle generation, all vying for the prestigious Grand Prize. Among the participants was “Zeperi” from Līgatne.

The competition highlighted the excellence of Latvian dance, with each group striving to achieve the highest honor in their category. The dancers from Riga particularly stood out, with many of them being among the top performers in the middle generation category.

Liene Fridberga, the manager of “Zeperi,” expressed her delight and pride in the group’s performance. She commended the dancers for their dedication, beautiful costumes, and exceptional dance skills. Fridberga also mentioned the excitement and support provided by the competition organizers, who made sure to uplift the dancers between performances.

The top prize in the middle-generation category was awarded to the dance collective “Dancis” from the University of Latvia, while “Zeperi” secured a respectable place. Each group performed three dances during the competition, including one from their main repertoire and two free-choice stage dances.

Fridberga revealed that “Zeperi” selected Agra Danilevich’s dance “Uj, yuj” from their obligatory repertoire, as it held a special significance for the dancers. They also performed “Rotā, meitiņ, guna plastu” choreographed by Jānis Ārglis, which captured the spirit of the upcoming Midsummer festival. Additionally, “Zeperi” showcased their own dance, “Ai, varīte,” created specifically to highlight their energetic and independent collective and to represent their hometown of Līgatne and the surrounding region.

The achievements of “Zeperi” were met with great joy and pride by the residents of Līgatne. Dace Krīvena-Valdmane, the head of the culture houses in the Līgatne association of Cēsis region, expressed her satisfaction with the group’s performance. Līga Medne, the head of the Līgatne association’s administration, acknowledged the manager’s enthusiasm and the dancers’ personal commitment, which contributed to the excellent performance of “Zeperi.”

Ineta Broča, a former member of “Zeperi” who has been dancing with the group for 20 years, shared her positive emotions and joy as a spectator. She praised the solid foundation laid by Iveta Pētersone – Lazdāne, the long-time leader of “Zeperi,” and acknowledged the growth and success achieved under the leadership of Liene Fridberga.

Broča emphasized the importance of a strong leader with a clear goal and the dedication of the dancers. She also highlighted the support received from the municipality and the pride they felt in not only their dancing skills but also their beautiful costumes during festive occasions.

Looking ahead, “Zeperi” is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Song and Dance Festival concerts. They carry with them the slogan, “Neither clappers nor rappers, come to Riga ‘Zeperi’!” which accompanied them in previous festivals and will continue to inspire them in their future endeavors.

What factors contributed to “Zeperi” earning a respectable placement in the middle-generation category of the competition

Līgatne’s middle generation dance collective, “Zeperi,” recently took part in the final of a dance group competition at Riga’s international exhibition hall in Ķīpsala. The competition featured nine dance collectives from the middle generation, all aiming to win the prestigious Grand Prize. One of the standout participants was “Zeperi” from Līgatne.

The competition showcased the skill and excellence of Latvian dance, with each group striving to achieve the highest recognition in their category. The dancers from Riga particularly impressed, with many of them ranking among the top performers in the middle generation category.

Liene Fridberga, the manager of “Zeperi,” expressed her joy and pride in the group’s performance. She applauded the dancers for their dedication, beautiful costumes, and outstanding dance abilities. Fridberga also expressed gratitude for the excitement and support provided by the competition organizers, who made sure to uplift the dancers during their performances.

The top prize in the middle-generation category went to the dance collective “Dancis” from the University of Latvia, while “Zeperi” earned a respectable placement. Each group had the opportunity to perform three dances during the competition, including one from their main repertoire and two stage dances of their choice.