Four new dancer recruitment rounds, two performances, a change of repetiteur, and the launch of our new dance group Ačkups studija - this is how powerfully Ačkups has started its 74th season! Of course, the list would not be complete without mentioning a couple of new shelves for our costume storage, because, as always, organizing the costume collection is the traditional warm-up activity for every new season. But let’s take it one step at a time. This year, we started the se

One of Ačkups’ most anticipated activities at the beginning of each season is the "Zelta plosts" (Golden Raft) hike. It is a day that we spend actively together outdoors, taking on various unusual challenges. Of course, it is also a wonderful opportunity for our new dancers to get to know the Ačkups family outside the dance studio and become more comfortable within the group. "Zelta plosts" always turns into a fun adventure, after which we feel more united and have a better u

Ačkups started the new season with a completely new experience - taking to the field for the very first time to participate in the 17th Football Cup organized by TDA "Rotaļa"! While we are usually seen on stage performing dance steps, this time we put on our football boots and embraced a different rhythm - a sporting challenge on the field. The preparation process itself brought us a lot of joy - between rehearsals, we discussed tactics, practiced our first shots, and trained

If you are active followers of our social media channels, you have most likely already noticed our photo project "Ačkups and Folk Costumes: Latvian Folk Costumes Through the Lens." The photographer behind the project is the talented German photographer Jeb Inge. At the end of 2023, Jeb reached out to us and invited us to take part in his photography project exploring the traditions and customs of wearing folk costumes across Europe. So, at the beginning of last summer, we bro

This year the Ačkups family decided to celebrate Christmas in the coziest way possible. We put on our pyjamas, warm slippers, and festive sweaters, then headed to our familiar dance studio on Mārupes Street, which had been transformed beyond recognition. Strings of fairy lights, festive decorations, gingerbread, and the scent of the Christmas tree filled the studio with a truly warm and homely holiday atmosphere. As always, we began our Christmas celebration by looking back o

At the end of February, we went to Jelgava to participate in the concert "Polka pilī" (Polka in the Castle) as well as the annual competition "Kalves Skuja", which was organized by our dance friends TDA "Kalve". This year, instead of the usual bowling tournament, orienteering games were held at the Latvian University of Biosciences and Technology. For two hours, we tested not only our creativity and intuition, but also our knowledge and abilities in recognizing animal footpr