The flame of Oglīte burns bright and strong, ready to inspire everyone who joins this shared festive journey through dance.

Thirty years mark an entire era, during which countless pairs of dance shoes have been worn out and a colourful thread of memories has been woven from long hours of rehearsals, the brilliance of stage lights, moments of excitement and joy, the strength of friendship and the warmth of togetherness. The concert From Heart to Heart Through the Joy of Dance will tell a story of an enduring love for Latvian stage folk dance and the people who devote their joy for life, energy and love to dancing day after day.

From a small group of like-minded enthusiasts and the first dances performed by eight young women and a handful of men, the ensemble has grown over the years into a large, close-knit and strong dance family. Since its very beginnings, it has been skilfully led by its founder and choreographer, Jānis Marcinkevičs, together with rehearsal pianist Sandra Lūķe.

The anniversary concert will showcase a wide spectrum of Latvian stage folk dance. Alongside choreographies by celebrated masters of Latvian dance and works from the golden repertoire of Latvian stage folk dance, audiences will enjoy original dances by Jānis Marcinkevičs, which have won acclaim in Latvia and at international competitions, as well as works by other choreographers.

Two ensembles with a close, inseparable and historic connection to Oglīte will join the celebrations: the children’s folk dance ensemble Dzirkstelīte, led by Jānis Marcinkevičs, and the folk dance ensemble Liesma, led by Gunta Rudene. They will be joined by other long-standing stage companions and kindred spirits: the adult folk dance group Virši from Inčukalns, led by Andrs Briņķis; the adult folk dance group Druva from Saldus, led by Laine Liepa; the adult folk dance group Made from Madliena, led by Vineta Giņeviča; and the senior dance group SenVija from Riga, led by Antra Vilcāne.

Tickets are available at Biļešu Paradīze ticket offices and online at www.bilesuparadize.lv.

The event organiser informs visitors that photography and/or video recording may take place during the event for publicity and informational purposes, including media coverage and use in other informational materials. The event organiser is not responsible for photography or video recording carried out by third parties or for their use of such material.

Visitor information

The venue opens 45 minutes before the event. Visitors are kindly asked to arrive in good time, no later than 10 minutes before the concert begins.