About "Kauno Šokio Teatras "Aura"'"Kauno Šokio Teatras "Aura"' is the first professional contemporary dance theatre in Lithuania, founded in 1980, when Birutė Letukaitė started to run a modern dance studio. Growing out of this studio, since 1989 Aura has been organising an international modern dance festival in Kaunas, which this year celebrates more than 30 years of tradition. The theatre has become an international dance company with performers from all over the world, presenting the work of Lithuanian and international artists on every continent. History and Aims Founded as a modern dance studio, Aura has become a pioneer of contemporary dance in Lithuania over the years of its existence. Birutė Letukaitė, the founder and artistic director of the theatre, has trained generations of professional dancers who have contributed to the development of the world dance scene. "Aura's goals include the promotion of professional music performance on wind and folk instruments, the culture and traditions of jazz music performance, the development of new dance forms and international cooperation. Aura International Dance Festival "Kauno Šokio Teatras "Aura"' is not only a theatre, but also the organiser of the International Dance Festival, which takes place every autumn in Kaunas. The festival has become not only an important cultural event in the city, but also a place where dance professionals from all over the world meet to share their experiences and the latest dance trends. Innovation and Creative Strategies Since 2011, when the company became an international company, Aura has not only preserved but also enriched the Lithuanian contemporary dance scene. Birutė Letukaitė's leadership of the theatre is focused on changes in creative strategy, combining different genres of music and dance to create performances that are innovative and engaging. Awards and Recognition "Kauno Šokio Teatras "Aura"' and its founder Birutė Letukaitė's contribution to the art of dance has been recognised with numerous awards, including the Golden Stage Cross, the Government Prize for Culture and Arts, and the highest award given by the Ministry of Culture - the Honorary Badge of Honour "Carry Your Light and Believe". This is a proof not only of the theatre's, but also of the international recognition of the entire Lithuanian dance community. Conclusion "Kauno Šokio Teatras "Aura"' is a leader of contemporary dance in Lithuania, which has not only shaped, but continues to shape the face of contemporary dance in the country and beyond. The theatre's efforts to spread the art of dance, its innovations and creativity are an invaluable contribution to the cultural life of Lithuania, helping to raise generations of dance art lovers and creators.
