Group History

The group Neris was formed in December 1965 and first performed at the Lithuanian Independence Day Celebration on February 16, 1966.  The group was comprised of 18 dancers from the Pittsburgh area.  Mrs. Aldona Grina taught the group and Mr. Vito Yucius was the accordion accompanist.

Within the first 2 years, the group's performances included an appearance on KDKA TV, the Pittsburgh Folk Festival, Lithuanian Club Banquet, Lithuanian Catholic Alliance Convention at the Hilton Hotel, John Kane Hospital, Echoes of Lithuania Radio Program Picnic, several performances at the University of Pittsburgh, and the South Park Allegheny County Fair.  The tradition has continued throughout the years with numerous local performances as well as performances in Chicago, Toronto, Cleveland, and Baltimore. 

The group performs annually at the Pittsburgh Folk Festival, one of the oldest and largest festivals of its kind.  Neris has participated in 6 Sokiu Svente Festivals, a Lithuanian festival held every 4 years uniting approximately 2,000 dancers from around the world celebrating Lithuanian heritage.  Former teachers also include Dana Miselis and Marlene Aglinskaite-Bridson.  Janet Zusinaite-Ruperto was the latest instructor, having taught from 1982 to 2006.

A children's group was added in 1995 and is comprised of 13 dancers age 6-12.  Many are the children of current or former Neris dancers.  Connie Miskyte-Zatek leads the children’s group.  Since 1995, public performances include appearances by both groups.  Currently there are a total of 24 dancers in the combined groups.

Although membership has changed through the years, it is not uncommon for dancers to stay with the group for 10, 20, or more years. 

Congratulations to Neris on it’s 40^th anniversary in 2006!