Help “Aitvaras” Dance Group Bring Lithuanian Spirit to Chicago!

For almost 30 years, the Lithuanian folk-dance group “Aitvaras” has been a home for people in Portland, OR metro and Southwest Washington area who share a deep love for dance, music, and our Lithuanian heritage. Through every rehearsal and every performance, we celebrate where we come from — and pass that spirit on to the next generation.

We’ve shared our culture on stages big and small — from the Portland Rose Festival to the Scandinavian Festival in Astoria, and at Tulip Festivals in Woodland and Woodburn. Each time, we carry a piece of Lithuania with us — its stories, rhythms, and joy — connecting our community here in the United States to the traditions of our ancestors.

Lithuanian folk dance is more than choreography. It’s the heartbeat of a culture. It’s how we remember who we are, how we teach our children where they come from, and how we keep our language of movement alive.

Like so many cultural groups, our activities paused during the COVID years. But our dancers never lost hope. This year, with renewed energy, we reunited — welcoming new dancers of all ages, from children taking their first steps on stage to adults who have been dancing for decades. Together, we once again filled the stage with life, music, and the unbreakable spirit of Lithuania.

Now we dream of our next big step: representing Oregon and Southwest Washington at the XVII North American Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival in Chicago in 2026 — the largest celebration of Lithuanian dance and culture in the world. Thousands of Lithuanians from around the globe will gather at the legendary McCormick Place to celebrate our heritage through dance and music.

For our group, performing on that stage would be a once-in-a-lifetime honor — and a powerful way to show that our culture is alive and thriving here in the Pacific Northwest. ❤️

✈️ But bringing our dancers to Chicago is a big financial challenge. Flights, lodging, and travel costs add up quickly, and for many of our families, it’s more than we can manage alone. That’s why we’re turning to you — our friends, family, and everyone who believes in the power of culture, music, and dance - to help us make this dream possible.

Our goal is to raise $10,000 to help cover travel expenses so that every dancer, especially our children, can experience this incredible event.

Every dollar brings us one step closer to that stage.

❤️ Every donation helps keep Lithuanian traditions alive for the next generation.

Please consider donating to help “Aitvaras” dance group bring the joy and beauty of Lithuanian folk dance to Chicago in 2026.

✨ And if you cannot donate, please consider sharing our page so we can reach as many people as possible.

From our hearts to yours — ačiū! Thank you for believing in culture, community, and the power of dance to bring people together. ✨

Ačiū už jūsų palaikymą ❤️