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World War II and the Soviet occupation of Lithuania forced thousands of Lithuanians to flee their homeland and seek new lives in cities around the world. With little or no contact with their families behind the Iron Curtain, they feared losing it all – language, music, dance, and tradition. For the next several decades, they raised families, built schools, established parishes, and formed dance, theater, and choral groups to preserve their heritage. Lithuanian song and dance held a special place in their hearts. Lithuanian Dance wove a fabric that honored the homeland and ensured that their heritage would not be forgotten.

In 1957, the Chicago chapter of the Lithuanian-American Community, Inc. organized the first North American Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival, under the direction of Bruno Shotas; dancers from 18 U.S. and Canadian cities gathered to celebrate Lithuanian folk dancing. It was an historic, and wildly successful event, marking the first of many subsequent festivals.

That same year, the Lithuanian Folk Dance Institute Lietuviu Tautiniu Sokiu Institutas – LTSI was formed. Its mission is to preserve and nurture the art of folk dancing together with its music, authentic costumes, and traditions. The LTSI maintains close ties with folk dance ensembles around the world and regularly hosts a week-long training course at Camp Dainava in southeastern Michigan. The Lithuanian Folk Dance Institute, together with The Lithuanian-American Community, Inc. and The Lithuanian Canadian Community, organized the folk dance festivals that have taken place approximately every four years since 1957.

Since 1991, when Lithuania once again gained independence, several dance groups from Lithuania have participated at the quadrennial North American festivals. A new wave of emigres to the US has also brought instructors and choreographers who have lent their talents to preserve the art of Lithuanian folk dancing.