The dance ensembles “Shevitsa” from Essen, Germany, and “Mila Rodina” from Krefeld, Germany, will participate jointly under the name “Shevitsi from Mila Rodina.” The two organizations are set to debut their collaboration at the 11th Expats Join Hands in Worldwide Dance travelling festival, scheduled to take place from May 15 to May 17 at the BMW Park in Munich. According to the group’s leader, Ivandzhelin Ivanova, the collaboration stems from a shared dedication to preserving and promoting Bulgarian culture abroad through dance. The performance will feature “Shopska Zakachka” (“Shopi tease”), a routine choreographed by Iliya Petkov.
This piece draws inspiration from traditional dances originating in the Shopluk folklore region, aiming to recreate the lively atmosphere and playful interactions characteristic of Bulgarian village celebrations. The participating groups comprise 22 dancers, whose ages range from 14 to over 60. Many members were born or raised in Germany but maintain strong cultural ties to their Bulgarian heritage.
Preparation for this joint appearance has involved rigorous, multi-weekly rehearsals, alongside the meticulous creation of costumes and accessories. This travelling festival serves as a gathering point for amateur Bulgarian folklore ensembles from various countries. Since its inception in 2015, the event has hosted cultural showcases across multiple European cities.
The involvement of the groups from essen highlights the dedication of international communities to keeping their cultural traditions alive through dance.
Topics: #dance #groups #essen
