Latvian Dance Group, Diais Dancis Latvian Dance Group Diais Dancis Latvian Dance Group ?Di?ais Dancis?. Our motto - "That?s not a mistake, it?s a variation!". The Toronto Latvian folk dance group "Di?ais Dancis" was founded in 2000. The leader of "Di?ais Dancis" is the enthusiastic M?ra Simsons who has shown her talent not only as a teacher of dance steps and movements, but also for her creativity in bringing to life new choreographies. The ensemble has successfully participated in several ?New Choreography Competitions?. In Toronto, 2004, M?ra?s new dance titled ?Iebrauca saul?te? achieved first place. Mara's new dances have been recognized far and wide ? the dance "Iebrauca saul?te? was included at the festival of ?middle generation dance festival? in Valmiera, Latvia and her dance "Spie??tis" was performed at the XVI Senior Dance Festival in Ikskile, Latvia. Since its founding, the group has actively participated in Song & Dance Festivals in Canada, ?Garezers? Song & Cultural Days and many events at the Latvian Centre in Toronto. They have performed in Indianapolis, Chicago, Sidrabene, Me?ciems and Hamilton. "Di?ais Dancis? has grand plans for the future! The next major event ?Di?ais Dancis? will perform at is the XXV Latvian Song Festival and the XV Dance Celebration in Riga, Latvia in the summer of 2013. Looking further ahead, the group has set its sights on the Cultural Days in Australia as well as the Song and Dance Festival in Hamilton in 2014. Participants range in age from "around 30" and up. ?Di?ais Dancis? is always happy to see new dancers who wish to spend their Monday evenings in a warm atmosphere, learning Latvian folk dance steps and enjoying the magic of dance. While dancing in ?Dizais Dancis? you are bound to establish friendships. One of the favorite past times following rehearsals is to sit down, chat and enjoy a laugh with a cold ?ZELTA? in your hands!