Emotions and Energy: Vinnytsia Dance Ensemble "Radist" Won the Hearts of Lithuanian Audience

During the three days of the festival, the group gave eight concerts in Vinnytsia's sister city Panevėžys, where they packed the halls of local schools. The Ukrainian dances - "Hopak", "Podilski vykhyliasy", "Podilskyi peredzvin", "Loburiaki" - caused a storm of emotions among the audience. They clapped their hands together with our girls in the dance "Pleskach" and sang "Ой, у лузі червона калина" with our children," says Viktor Boiko, artistic director of the Radist Dance Ensemble.

The festival's gala concert took place in the Panevėžys athletics arena. It was attended by groups from Latvia, Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine. All the performers, he said, demonstrated professionalism and a high level of stage culture. But the performance of the Vinnytsia group received a special ovation.

"After the concert, a teacher came up to our leaders and said that our children were incredible. Through their dances, they show the courage and strength of the Ukrainian people. She said that looking at our dances and our children, she understood why Ukraine is fighting so bravely against the russian invaders. The heads of the Latvian and Polish teams and the organizers of the festival expressed their admiration and appreciation for the performances of our team," added Viktor Boiko.

During the festival, the children got acquainted with the city of Panevėžys, where they visited, in particular, the local history museum. They also visited the city of Kernave, which was the first capital of Lithuania, a restored ancient Lithuanian village, and the ancient residence of Lithuanian princes in the largest surviving castle in Lithuania, Trakai Castle. In its concert hall, with excellent acoustics, they sang "Ой, у лузі червона калина."

"The friendly, calm atmosphere of the festival, new acquaintances, and communication with children from different countries will always remain in the memory of our children," said Viktor Boiko.