The dance troupes “Shevitsa” from Essen, Germany, and “Mila Rodina” from Krefeld, Germany, are collaborating for their first joint performance. Together, they will participate under the name “Shevitsi from Mila Rodina” at the 11th Expats Join Hands in Worldwide Dance travelling festival. This event is scheduled to take place at the BMW Park in Munich from May 15th to May 17th.
According to their leader, Ivandzhelin Ivanova, the collaboration stems from a shared dedication to preserving and promoting Bulgarian culture through dance abroad. The combined groups will perform the piece “Shopska Zakachka” (“Shopi tease”), a routine choreographed by Iliya Petkov. This dance is inspired by the traditional customs of the Shopluk folklore region, aiming to recreate the energetic atmosphere and playful interactions characteristic of village celebrations.
The ensemble comprises 22 dancers, whose ages range from 14 to over 60. Several members of the groups were born or raised in Germany but retain a significant connection to their Bulgarian heritage. Preparation for the festival has involved rigorous, multiple-times-weekly rehearsals, alongside the creation of specialized costumes and accessories.
The travelling festival itself gathers amateur Bulgarian folklore dance ensembles from around the world and has been held in various European cities since its inception in 2015. The participation of the groups from Essen and Krefeld highlights a commitment to cultural exchange.
Topics: #dance #groups #essen
Sounds like a wonderful cultural event to see the two groups perform together.