As the LADO Ensemble enters its seventy-seventh year, its new evening concert named Time for Dance turns its attention to what often remains unseen: the creative process behind a dance performance, that is the work, research and artistic development that take place before the performance meets its audience. Through introductory videos, the programme provides a glimpse into the world behind the stage, revealing the time invested in creating movement and music and shaping them into a unified performance.
Time for Dance features some of the more demanding choreographies. After many years, two choreographies will once again be performed together during the same concert – Prigorski plesovi (Prigorje Dances) and Podravski svati (Podravina Wedding). These two choreographies have very often formed the finale of LADO Ensemble programme. The programme also includes Ladarke by Zvonimir Ljevaković and Emil Cossetto, which, according to the LADO performers, is something of LADO’s anthem, as well as the acclaimed choreographies Zagorski drmešari by Dr Ivan Ivančan, Bunjevačko momačko kolo (Bunjevci Young Men’s Dance) by Zvonimir Ljevaković, and the Herzegovinian linđo dance titled Divojku za ruku, rumenu jabuku (A Maiden by the Hand, a Rosy Apple) by Vida Bagur.
For this programme, two choreographies have been revived: Cviće moje ja bi tebe brala (My Flowers, I Would Pick You) from the island of Cres by Boris Harfman, and Kordunaške uspomene (Kordun Memories) by Ivica Ivanković. The musical pieces in the programme include the acclaimed Šokački sastanak (Šokci Gathering) by Božidar Potočnik and Ljubavne jačke iz Gradišća (Love Songs from Burgenland) in an arrangement by Marko First.
The programme will also premiere two new choreographies: Mi smo braćo Dalmatinci (We Are Dalmatian Brothers), a selection of dances and songs from the town of Pag by Alen Šušković, and the instrumental composition Noaj tanca du če by Mladen Kosovac, featuring arrangements of musical themes from Gorski kotar. Alongside Ljubavne jačke iz Gradišća, both works are the result of creative collaborations between artists who are now members of the LADO Ensemble, allowing traditional art to continue evolving from within, through the experience, knowledge and artistic sensibility of LADO artists.
For seventy-seven years, the LADO Ensemble has served as a guardian, interpreter and ambassador of Croatian traditional art. Travelling across Croatia and around the world, LADO connects generations of performers and audiences, demonstrating that tradition is not a static past, but a living art that continues to evolve with every new encounter and every new performance.
By Zrinka Posavec
Artistic Director of the LADO Ensemble