Leikarringen of Portland
Store Leikarringen at ScanFair, Portland. Photo by Monica Rose Maynard
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. Philip Neri Church at 16th and Division. 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, 503 449-9004
christiestilson@yahoo.com
Or visit our website http://leikarringenofportland.webs.com/
Lille Leikarringen at Scanfair, Portland. Photo by Monica Rose Maynard.