The dance ensembles “Shevitsa” from Essen, Germany, and “Mila Rodina” from Krefeld, Germany, are set to perform jointly at the 11th Expats Join Hands in Worldwide Dance travelling festival. The joint performance, billed as “Shevitsi from Mila Rodina,” will take place from May 15 to May 17 at the BMW Park in Munich. The collaboration marks the first time the two respective groups have performed together.
According to their leader, Ivandzhelin Ivanova, the partnership stems from a shared commitment to preserving and promoting Bulgarian culture abroad through traditional dance. For this festival, the groups will present the routine “Shopska Zakachka” (“Shopi tease”), a piece choreographed by Iliya Petkov. This dance draws inspiration from the traditional folklore of the Shopluk region, aiming to recreate the lively spirit and playful interactions characteristic of village gatherings.
The ensemble comprises 22 dancers, representing a range of ages from 14 to over 60. Several members of the group were born or raised in Germany but maintain deep cultural ties to their Bulgarian heritage. Preparation for the performance has involved rigorous, weekly rehearsals, alongside the meticulous creation of costumes and accessories.
The travelling festival itself serves as a gathering point for amateur Bulgarian folklore ensembles from around the globe. Since its inception in 2015, the event has hosted cultural showcases across various European cities, solidifying its role in international cultural exchange through dance.
Topics: #dance #groups #essen
This joint performance sounds like it will be a wonderful showcase of regional dance talent.