The dance troupes “Shevitsa” from Essen and “Mila Rodina” from Krefeld are set to participate jointly 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 from May 15 to May 17 at the BMW Park in Munich. According to the participating groups’ leader, Ivandzhelin Ivanova, the collaboration marks their first joint performance.
The impetus behind uniting the two ensembles stems from a shared dedication to Bulgarian folklore and a commitment to preserving and promoting Bulgarian culture internationally. The performance will feature the dance titled “Shopska Zakachka” (“Shopi tease”), which was choreographed by Iliya Petkov. This routine draws inspiration from the traditional dances of the Shopluk folklore region, aiming to recreate the lively spirit and playful interactions characteristic of village celebrations.
The combined group comprises 22 dancers, with ages ranging from 14 to over 60. Several members of the ensemble were born or raised in Germany but maintain deep ties to their Bulgarian heritage. Preparation for this appearance has involved intensive rehearsals held multiple times per week, alongside the meticulous creation of costumes and accessories.
The travelling festival serves as a gathering point for amateur Bulgarian folklore ensembles from around the world. Since its inception in 2015, the festival has hosted events in various European cities, providing a platform for cultural exchange through dance.
Topics: #dance #groups #essen
