Paper short abstract:

This presentation will focus on specific experiences related to Pārdaugava (district of Riga) that are emphasised by people involved in dance in their daily lives. Although it might seem that only the process of dancing is important, the place in the urban environment is also crucial.

Paper long abstract:

In 2021 Archives of Latvian Folklore started a research project "Urban Experiences: Narratives, Memories and Place Heritage", that focuses on Pārdaugava – the historical Riga's district of the left bank of river Daugava. In the first phase of the project, we interviewed residents of the city to hear how they see the city, what words they use to describe it, which are the most important places in the neighborhoods, how they perceive historical sites in the city. One part of this project is also the Latvian dance scene, that includes folk dance and stage folk dance.

I will focus on different places that are important for folk dance and stage folk dance representers. What words do the representatives use to describe the urban environment, which is an essential part of dancing. Dance rehearsals are mostly held in cultural centres and educational institutions. However, more unusual urban venues also emerge in the interviews – “Sun circle”, a hill in the park etc. Historical buildings appear in the stories of the informants as key places where important events took place. They are emotionally attached to them, despite the fact that sometimes the buildings are not in the best condition to dance in. All that shapes the narratives of the city, which is important to be aware of today, as the majority of society still lives in cities. This presentation will focus on specific experiences that are emphasised by people involved in dance in their daily lives.