The life of the honorary citizen of Kaunas city revolved around dance, “Sūkurys,” and Kaunas for more than five decades. The tradition of the “Amber Couple,” started 60 years ago by her and Česlovas Norvaiša, is today an integral part of the city’s cultural life, according to a press release from the Kaunas city municipality.
About the special connection with Kaunas, the education of her students, the significance of the “Amber Couple,” and the importance of words speaks the doctor, coach, judge, teacher, and longtime leader of “Sūkurys” – Jūratė Elena Norvaišienė, who celebrated her 91st birthday almost two weeks ago.
– If you had to choose a place in Kaunas where you feel best, what would that place be?
– My ancestors and I are from Kaunas. Every street, every corner is a living part of my life story, filled with various memories. However, my favorite place in Kaunas is definitely Vičiūnai. That is my little piece of paradise. It is a place where I can escape the city’s noise, “ground” myself, and be surrounded by nature with my thoughts.
– What brings you the most joy about today’s Kaunas? What, in your eyes, drives the city forward?
– I think it is very important who governs the city and how that person can “drive” the city forward. If the city has a leader who understands what is needed for the city to thrive and what people need – then everything starts moving forward. Of course, much depends on the assembled team and how their abilities are used for the city’s benefit. The cultural field is especially pleasing. Kaunas has so much culture that we can share it with other cities.
– Your life encompasses many different fields – medicine, science, dance, pedagogy, judging, social activity. What has guided you throughout these different paths?
– There is a streak of curiosity in my genes. Everything I do is enjoyable to me. If it is not enjoyable, I choose not to do it. If I do not understand something – I become intrigued. I go to explore, read, look for literature, research to understand and find answers.
– You came to dance not alone but together with your husband. How did your medical education help you as coaches?
– It helped us a lot because we knew physiology and human anatomy. The human body is very logically constructed, so I like to say that you will never reach a high level if you do not know how to use it naturally. You need to understand how the body moves, what its capabilities are, and how not to harm yourself.
Of course, our musical education also helped. When we started leading, there was not a single competition where any of our couples did not reach the Lithuanian final or win it. A rain of prize places and medals began.
– You have led “Sūkurys” for more than five decades, during which you have raised several generations of dancers. Besides dance technique, what have you always wanted to teach your students?
– I have always educated my students to be not only good dancers but also good people, to communicate respectfully with others, to be cultured and polite. You have to be beautiful not only on the dance floor but also spiritually in your daily activities because otherwise, nothing will work on the dance floor. The dance floor is like a mirror of a person – when you step on it, all masks fall off. If you cannot see another person in life or communicate with them, it will be difficult to create a real connection in dance.
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– You emphasize not only the human body but also the importance of the inner world. Why?
– Every organ, like every object, has its expiration time, meaning it has a certain number of movements or actions. Everything is programmed – practically, we live in a world of numbers, everything is numbers, and all our words that go out into space. Therefore, I often like to emphasize that you should not say negative words about yourself or others because everything goes out and comes back.
– This year, the 60th “Amber Couple” took place in Kaunas. Is it hard to believe today that this competition has been running for six decades?
– It is like a routine – it passes, and we immediately think about the next year. You already think about what we will do next time, how we will organize everything. It is already a tradition. Česlovas came up with the idea that this event should take place on Mother’s Day, and this date became a kind of part of it. The mayor also made a sincere gesture – he gives tickets to people for this event for free.
– You have said that during the Soviet era, such events were also a form of nationalism and resistance. What did the “Amber Couple” mean to Kaunas at that time?
– Many learned that there is such a country – Lithuania. I remember when we went to a Chinese restaurant and were asked: where are you from? We said – we are from Lithuania. And we were very proud to be Lithuanians. Naturally, they asked back: where is Lithuania? So we drew them the whole map.
At that time, it was very important for us to be able to say that we are Lithuanians and show where we came from. Today, the “Amber Couple,” as I mentioned, is a tradition that will live as long as our students are alive. I sincerely believe in that.
– What can we be proud of as a nation today, in your eyes?
– We are an extraordinarily talented and versatile nation in all fields, we have a strong legacy and notable people all over the world. It is important not to forget this and to be proud of our origin.
– Looking back today, are there decisions you would make differently?
– I do not know, I was happy. I think if a person is happy in life, then maybe there is no need to think too much about what could have been done differently.
– If you had to choose one thing life has taught you and that you would like to pass on to a younger person, what would it be?
– I would wish everyone to find their life friend. To have a friend with whom you can always talk, tell anything, and know that you will always get a response or an understanding reaction. That is a gift because life is about people.
– What would you wish for Kaunas?
– That it remains just as it is now – Lithuanian, green, and with wonderful modern architecture.
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