School News

Traditional Latvian Dance Group Brings History to Life at Exupery International School

2024-09-18 10:44 School Life
Last week, Exupery International School had some very fascinating guests! It was the initiative of our Latvian Studies, ELL Teacher, and M&H Librarian, Līga Grundšteine, to invite the traditional Latvian dance group "Kalnā kāpu gavilēt" for a workshop at our school. The ensemble gave our G6 students a real journey back in time, showcasing folk costumes, playing the Kokle, discussing ancient traditions, and letting students have fun while learning dances and games like "Šurp Jāņa bērni," "Krakovka," and "Cūka driķos."

According to Ms Grundšteine, cultural workshops and classes like this let children experience Latvian traditions in ways rarely achievable daily. For example, this session showed students how Latvians celebrated their festivals 100-200 years ago. It certainly didn't take long to get the sixth graders on their feet, all smiles!

"Some of our students are born here, but some will only spend a short time in Latvia. The Latvian Studies subject itself offers students the chance to experience and enjoy the rich local culture. We are sure they'll take a little piece of the Latvian heart with them wherever they go next," she said.

The particular workshop was supported by the state program "Latvijas Skolas Soma," which funds local cultural experiences in schools. This program ensures that students have the state-funded opportunity to regularly explore Latvian cultural values and contemporary expressions, thereby developing cultural understanding and expression competencies, reducing social inequality, and fostering pride in their country and its people.