The Ludi-Mladi ensemble from Montpellier, France, is scheduled to participate in the 11th edition of the Expats Join Hands in Worldwide Dance festival, taking place at BMW Park in Munich from May 15 to 17. The performance, titled “In the Embrace of the Flame,” is set to showcase a love story described by the director, Iva Milkova, as one stronger than any obstacle. The folk dance draws inspiration from the Nestinarstvo fire-dancing rite, symbolizing enduring love for both individuals and the Bulgarian nation and its traditions.
Milkova stated that the performance aims to remind the audience of their heritage and the historical challenges faced by the nation, emphasizing that unity and tradition remain its strengths. The piece explores a dual love—for a person and for tradition. Choreographically, the show features an introductory segment with free, rhythm bagpipe music, followed by a more energetic section combining elements of the Kopanitsa and an arrangement of the horo dance Aidar Abasi.
The creative team includes choreographers Nikolay Zagorov, Evgenia Ivanova, and Preslav Varbanov. The ensemble’s message encourages reflection on the sacrifices made for love, regardless of the object of that love, ultimately leading the audience toward personal ethical choices. Ludi-Mladi, founded in 2013 to promote Bulgarian folk dances, has since become active in cultural exchange.
Milkova noted that hosting the festival taught them that successful community events require meticulous coordination. The festival itself, which features amateur folklore groups outside of Bulgaria, is expected to draw over 4,000 attendees in Munich.
Topics: #ensemble #folk #ludi
