Introduction
The Lasva Community Center Mixed Folk Dance Group is a perfectly ordinary group that brings together men and women interested in folk dancing. The group consists of average Võrumaa people—nine men and nine women, ranging from farmers to educators. They dance contemporary Estonian author dances, folklore dances, various social dances, and games.
It is also typical that dance practices occur once a week, but when things get very busy before performances, the group holds long dance days. The Lasva Community Center Mixed Folk Dance Group wears their local folk costumes, participates in and organizes joint events and trips, and also promotes its activities, attracting new members.
History
The Lasva Community Center Mixed Folk Dance Group was founded in 1963, but various circles, including a mixed folk dance group, are known to have been active in the community center since its very establishment, led by Leida Nirk, a passionate promoter of local cultural life. Historical records show that the Lasva mixed group participated in the Võru Dance Festival in 1964 and 1969.
The Lasva Community Center Mixed Folk Dance Group has been consistently active since 1996. They started dancing with three couples and performed three-couple dances. They performed in Lasva and Loosi and participated in Lasva Community Center events and the Lasva Municipality Song and Dance Festivals.
Over the years, the number of performances and their scope has grown. The Lasva mixed group has participated in all Võru County Dance Festivals, Võru Folklore Festivals/Heritage Dance Festivals, and Võru Winter Dance Days, and has danced at the Southeast Estonian and Men's Dance Festivals. The group has also been an active participant in the county's joint folk dancers' events.
In addition to their home region, the Lasva mixed group has danced in Setomaa and Hiiumaa, Latvia, Rakvere, and Tallinn, at winter dance days in Virumaa and Viljandi, on various stages, city streets, dance squares, in parks, and on lake shores, and in many, many other wonderful places. Since 2009, the mixed group has danced at all General Dance Festivals in Tallinn. Lasva mixed group couples have also participated in many folklore festivals outside Estonia: in the Czech Republic, Spain, Croatia, and Greece.
Instructors and teachers who have guided the Lasva Mixed Folk Dance Group over the years include Leida Nirk (before 1964), Valve Kõiv (Pintmann) (1964–1971), Vilma Liiv (1975–1976), Helve Redi (1980–1989), Karin Laine (1991–1993), Marili Täht (1993–1994), and since 1994, Ulvi Toomik has taught the dances. From 1989–1990, the group operated independently under the leadership of Silja Vijar.
