The dance troupes “Shevitsa” from Essen, Germany, and “Mila Rodina” from Krefeld, Germany, are collaborating for their first joint performance. Under the combined name “Shevitsi from Mila Rodina,” the two ensembles are scheduled to participate in the 11th Expats Join Hands in Worldwide Dance travelling festival. This event will take place at the BMW Park in Munich from May 15 to 17.
The collaboration is motivated by a shared commitment to preserving and promoting Bulgarian culture internationally, according to the participating groups’ leader, Ivandzhelin Ivanova. For this festival, the combined groups will perform “Shopska Zakachka” (“Shopi tease”), a piece choreographed by Iliya Petkov. The routine draws inspiration from traditional dances of the Shopluk folklore region, aiming to capture the spirited and playful atmosphere of village celebrations.
The ensemble comprises 22 dancers, ranging in age from 14 to over 60. Many members maintain deep ties to their Bulgarian heritage despite having been born or raised in Germany, with representation from essen among the participants. Preparation for the performance has involved intensive weekly rehearsals, alongside the creation of specialized costumes and accessories.
The travelling festival serves as a gathering point for amateur Bulgarian folklore ensembles from across the globe and has been hosted in various European cities since its inception in 2015. The performance promises to showcase the vitality of Bulgarian folk dance traditions through this significant joint effort.
Topics: #dance #groups #essen
I look forward to seeing how the two groups blend their styles together.