Dance Group Vejava |
| Lithuanian folk dance group Vejava was founded in early 2002 under the direction of Jurgita Matuliene. It was the first and still the only Lithuanian folk dance group in Minneapolis. In the past few years dance group Vejava has distinguished itself in numerous performances at local folk dance festivals such as Festival of Nations as well as performing outside of the state in Chicago last year. The group has been recognized by diverse audiences and has been invited to perform at a variety of events. As of today, the dance group has already given over a half of a dozen performances in Minnesota. The group's members are listed below followed by a list of dances which the group performs. |
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Dancers as of February 9, 2004 |
| Kristina Stirbyte Cole |
Choreographer |
| Sigita Rukutyte Larson |
Organization Manager |
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| Ladies |
Gentlemen |
| Jorune Balciuniene |
John Larson |
| Kritina Satkeviciute Tomforde |
Aidas Nasevicius |
| Diana Cimalonskaite Soderholm |
Ron Mathisen |
| Aida Padoraite |
Dainius Ušackas |
| Laura |
Tomas Urbonas |
| Edita Januskeviciene |
Brian Soderholm |
| Daiva Kristupaitiene |
Algirdas Vosylius |
| Viktorija Kristupaityte |
Arturas |
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You will want to check out our Vejava Upcoming Event
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| For further information contact:
Tomas Urbonas, President
Phone: (952) 200-8743
Email: Contact Me
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List of Dances
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Dance Name |
Dance Description |
| Parovejos Suktinis |
The word “parovejos “ means, “after picking the harvest and the word “suktinis” could be translated as a “spinning dance”. So, the full translation would sound like: “the spinning dance danced after picking the harvest. “Spinning dances” are very well known in Lithuania and basically they are fast polkas, which have a lot of different and sometimes quite difficult turns and spins, and which make the dances fun to watch but not so easy to perform. Nevertheless, “turning dances” were often danced at the end of festivals and dance parties to show that dancers are not even close to getting tired, that they are so strong that they could dance and dance and dance. |
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Liaudišku Šokiu Mišinys
- Šyvis
- Trepsiukas
- Minjonas
- Barboryte
- Žydukas
- Polka
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This is a suite of short and simple Lithuanian folk dances. These dances are fun and quick to master; they vary in tempo from fast-paced to slower and back to fast-paced. These are different Lithuanian folk dances. The “Syvis “ is associated with the horse, so the dance tries to mimic some movements of the horse. “Trepsiukas” means stomping, And lastly another spinning dance - polka. |
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| Klumpakojis / Klog dance |
It is not so comfortable to dance in clogs so dancers take their clogs off and continue dancing in socks. The girls decide to play a joke: they exchange the boys’ clogs with their own, which are too small for boys and they cannot wear them. Boys decide to take revenge and exchange the girls’ clogs with their own in turn. These are very large but still girls decide to wear them. Boys realize that they are left with no shoes and run after girls begging for the exchange of clogs. Finally, dancers change the clogs back and dance together. So, let’s watch “Klumpakojis”! |
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| Jurgeli Meistreli |
This dance is “Jurgelis meistrelis,” and could be interpreted as “George the Master.” One player –the Master- stands in the middle and everyone dances around him. Then he has to show everyone what to do (jump etc), and all have to do after the master. Then the master chooses the next master and so on. Please come and join us for this game. |
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| Gegužine / May Polka |
The word “Geguzine” steams from the Lithuanian word “Geguze”, which means the month of May. It is a lively May polka which was a favorite of young Lithuanians on warm spring and summer nights, when communities gathered on weekends to dance and enjoy the music. The “turning dances” were often danced at the end of festivals and dance parties to show that dancers are not even close to getting tired, that they are so strong that they could dance and dance and dance. Our last dance is going to be fast a lot of turning moves and it is called “May polka”. This dance was performed during wedding parties and other celebrations in various parts of Lithuania. After this dance we invite you to join us for a few polkas. |
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| Malunas /Wind Mill |
This dance is one of ritual harvest dances. It depicts the process of turning grain into flour. As you watch dancers move, you will observe them sifting grain, taking it to the windmill, the wings of the windmill spinning, the millstones grinding, and finally the flour being taken home. |
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| Pasiutpolke / Wild Polka |
This is a fun and fast-paced polka. Dancers perform spinning movements alone, with their partners or in a group. The dance is filled with continuous lively exchange of dancers in lines and circles. |
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