LUZNAVA MANOR GROUP OF QUADRILLE DANCERS

Since the spring of 2016, quadrille balls are organised at the Luznava Manor, during which, through dancing, music and dresses, we try to experience the atmosphere of the time the manor was born, which was the beginning of the 20th century. The idea of the ball was inspired by the quadrille ball organised by folk dance group "Dandari" in Riga. Now quadrille balls have become a permanent part of the annual cultural events at the manor. Quadrille balls bring together not only dancers from various folk groups from Latgale and other places in Latvia and abroad (Lithuania, Estonia, and Norway), but also those who are just interested in the dance from the nearby and more distant places. With time, we had the idea, desire and opportunity to create our own group of quadrille dancers at the Luznava Manor, not only to better understand this dance and the cultural traditions related to it, but also to vary the events and opportunities at the Luznava Manor.

In October 2017, the dance group gathered for the first meeting, continuing the development of the quadrille dancing skill during rehearsals. The dance group brought together dancers from the Rezekne city and the Rezekne municipality, with different dancing experience, and thinking about passing the values of the cultural heritage and involving young people in the continuation of the traditions, the quadrille group also attracted young people — professional musicians and players of traditional musical instruments. During its existence, the dancers have already participated in several events – in the spring concert Dancing is Happiness ("Dejot ir laime") organised by dance group "Dziga", in several quadrille balls, in the Christmas event in Rezekne municipality, in the European Cultural Heritage concerts in Luznava and Berzgale and 2019 in Setesdal folk music festival (Norway). The dancers also offer the quadrille and dance programme as part of private and corporate social events. 

Dance group leader and choreograph Inga Žirgule.

• For groups of students and adults; 
• Duration of class – 40 min;
• Learning about the dances and quadrilles danced at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century accompanied by “live” music;
• Group ticket (up to 10 persons) – 30.00 €, each following participant – 3.00 €;
• Registration by phone +371 28686863 or tic@rezeknesnovads.lv

Under the guidance of choreograph Inga Žirgule, accompanied by authentic performance of musician Dace Baltkāje, the visitors of the Luznava Manor have the opportunity to try the dancing steps of traditional dances and quadrilles that were danced at the turn of the 19th and 20th century at social events of the manor and open-air dances of the village. 

The quadrille (French quadrille from Spanish cuadrilla – literally means “group of four people") is a folk and partner dance. This dance of French origin was derived from contredanse and appeared at the end of the 18th century, and was very popular in Europe up until the end of the 19th century. The time is 2/4, usually interchanges with 3/8 up to 6/8. The dance consists of several parts. The tempo is lively.

Quadrilles are usually danced by two or four pairs that place themselves forming a square. There are also quadrilles where the number of pairs is not fixed. The quadrille originates from the folk dance and initially consisted of five figures with French names:

• Le Pentalon (Trousers, the name of a popular French song);
• L'été (Summer);
• La Poule (The Hen);
• La Pastourelle (The Shepherd Girl), La Trénis, La Paris, etc. — one of the figures above chosen by the leader of the dance 
• Finale (The End). 

The popularity of these dances, especially in Latgale, shows that they were highly favoured by the people. Initially, quadrilles were the dances of the intellectuals, but at the turn of the 19th and the 20th century they were danced everywhere – at feasts, balls, pubs, and dance evenings.

Quadrille and dance masterclasses provide the opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of the social life at the turn of the 19th and 20th century through active involvement in dancing traditional and quadrille dances.

• For private and corporate events;
• Duration – 40—60 min;
• End of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century dance performance with involvement of the event participants (optional);
• Dancers and a musician;
• Offer price 130.00 €;
• Registration by phone +371 28686863 or tic@rezeknesnovads.lv

The group of quadrille dancers of the Lūznava manor can be part of a private or corporate event programme, providing a performance of quadrille dances as well as teaching and involving event guests in the dances. Quadrille dances are completed by Latvian and other national traditional dances that are easy to learn. 

The quadrille (French quadrille from Spanish cuadrilla – literally means “group of four people") is a folk and ball partner dance. This dance of French origin was derived from contredanse and appeared at the end of the 18th century, and was very popular in Europe up until the end of the 19th century. The popularity of these dances, especially in Latgale, shows that they were highly favoured by the people. Initially, quadrilles were the dances of the intellectuals, but at the turn of the 19th and the 20th century they were danced everywhere – at feasts, balls, pubs, and dance evenings.