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Leikarringen of Portland
The word "Leikarringen" means circle or round dance and is the name of
many dance groups around the U.S. as in Canada. Leikarringen of Portland
is sponsored by the Daughters of Norway. The priority of this group is
the preservation of Nordic culture.
Leikarringen of Portland is
open to youths ages 4 and up. There are new dancers who begin each year and some
have danced for fifteen years or more. This long tradition is rich with tunes
and dance steps from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and even Estonia. The
dances are generally fast-paced and there are couple dances as well as set
figure dances.
Leikarringen of Portland dancers have travelled to
Washington, California,
Florida and, of course, locations throughout Oregon. Many of these performances were at
Scandinavian festivals, such as Junction City's Scandinavian Festival, the
Astoria Midsummer Festival, Nordfest, Scan Fair and Scan Fest, all in Oregon, or others
such as the Solvang Danish Festival in California. Dancers have performed at
both Disneyland and Disneyworld and other festivals
such as Folk Life in Seattle.
No experience is necessary. The Leikarringen
instructors help participants buy or make an appropriate bunad (costume) for
performances. Dance shoes are required. A dancer can be any age to begin dancing and
it can bring a lifetime of enjoyment!
Practice is at St. David's
Episcopal Church located at 2800 SE Harrison Street, just a few blocks off
Hawthorne. The fee for a year is $40 for one child and $60 for more than one
child.
For more information, contact Christie Stilson,
Leikarringen of Portland Director
503-246-1555
paradyse@att.net
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