The Great Dance Parade 2013

In honour of International Dance Day, the Great Dance Parade was held in Riga for the first time, bringing together representatives of various dance styles.

The Sunday afternoon turned out pleasantly sunny. Initially all dancers, dance fans, and interested spectators gathered at Dome Square. Countless colourful large and small soap bubbles floated in the air, and everyone waited for the rhythmic drumbeat that would signal the start of the parade.

It was a little puzzling that only a few dance clubs had taken care to have distinctive, matching costumes that would mark them out as active participants in the parade. The dance rhythm was maintained by drummers at the head of the procession and by the castanets of the flamenco dancers. The latter - the Duende dance club - also stood out with their bright costumes, fringed shawls, and colourful fans, which gave the parade a truly festive spirit.

The most vibrant and pulsating atmosphere was to be found right at the close of the parade at the Esplanade, where representatives of all the dance schools surrendered to the dance rhythm - salsa, tap dance, folk dance, line dance, and flamenco alike. A short video glimpse: