Juventus 2013

First Juventus 2010.

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The dance group "Švyturys” (the Beacon) was established in 2003, when 16 young dancers gathered together to prepare for the XII Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival in Chicago. Over the years “Švyturys” grew, was joined by new dancers and, in 2007, a new group of younger dancers, “Švyturiukai,” was formed.

The dancers are together not only for rehearsals and concerts, but also long after the dance music quiets down; they organize parties, celebrate birthdays, baptize new members and spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve together. A fun packed and joyous picnic ends each season. 

The desire to be together is so strong that each year dancers gather with great enthusiasm for a very difficult and strenuous two-day dance camp at the end of December. These camps are therefore a grand new tradition that ignites the desire for new friendships, travels, dancing, and creativity and encourages us to stride for the more beautiful and nobler goals.

And there is always hope that all these friendships will blossom long after the dancers graduate from the group and go their separate and unique ways. 

“Švyturys” from its inception has been led by Aušrinė Širvinskienė and Ričardas Širvinskas. Julia Newberry, Edvinas Vaičikauskas and Eglė Jokšienė help with teaching and instructions.  
• The group has performed in Cleveland International Services Center Folk Festivals and was recognized by ISC for its contribution to the cultural life of the city.
• Performed at the concert celebrating 50 years of Hungarian independence at Cleveland State University.
• Performed at the International Children’s games in Cleveland, 2004.
• Participated in the XII Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival, Chicago, 2004.
• Participated in the Lithuanian Song Festival in Lithuania, 2007.

• Participated in XIII Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival in Los Angeles, 2008

• Appeared in concerts in Detroit, Toronto, Chicago, New York, and Lithuania.
• Over the span of 8 years organized seven “Concerts of Friendship.” Young dancers and singers from other Lithuanian colonies were invited to participate.

• Participated in XIV Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival in Boston, 2012.

It's hard to believe, but Švyturys is celebrating its 10 year Anniversary. To commemorate this honorable anniversary, Švyturys is planning a second mini-Dance festival "Juventus 2013." Four groups from three cities – Toronto; Chicago; Palm Beach, Florida -  will join Švyturys on stage this coming April. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

Please join us on April 20th, at 1:00 pm for the Lithuanian folk dance festival “Juventus 2013.“ The concert will take place at St. Casimir Parish, 18022 Neff Rd, Cleveland OH 44119. Advanced tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased by phone 440 749 2121 or after 10:00 o’clock Sunday mass. The day of the concert all tickets at the door will be $20.

Hope to see you all there.