"Rusnė"

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Lithuanian folk dance ensemble​​​​​​​​​

Chicago, IL

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Founded in 2012 at the Gediminas Lithuanian School in Mundelein, Chicago, the "Rusnė" Lithuanian folk dance ensemble is a vibrant group that brings traditional Lithuanian culture to life. The ensemble includes over 20 children and 10-12 dedicated dancing mothers and teachers, performing 5-6 concerts annually for both Lithuanian and American audiences. The group is expertly led by teacher and ballet master Nijolė Černiauskienė.

"Rusnė" actively participates in a wide range of Lithuanian community events, charity concerts, commemorations, and the international folklore festival in Milwaukee, WI. In 2016, three groups from "Rusnė" proudly represented the ensemble at the World Lithuanian Dance Festival in Baltimore. More recently, in the summer of 2022, they performed at the Lithuanian dance festival in Philadelphia, and in May 2023, the "Rusnė" girls delivered a special two-part concert to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the union of Šilutė and Minor Lithuania. The ensemble continued to shine in June 2024, dancing at the St. John's Day celebration in Jonava, and in July, they captivated audiences at the Day of World Lithuanians in Vilnius City Hall Square.

"Rusnė" is renowned for its unique style, blending modernized Lithuanian folklore with the rich traditions of Lithuanian paganism, reflected in their striking concert costumes. Their performances are sure to leave a lasting impression on any audience.