The dance collaboration between the “Shevitsa” group from Essen, Germany, and the amateur “Mila Rodina” group from Krefeld, Germany, will take place under the combined name “Shevitsi from Mila Rodina.” The two ensembles are set to participate in the 11th Expats Join Hands in Worldwide Dance travelling festival, scheduled for May 15 to 17 at the BMW Park in Munich. According to their leader, Ivandzhelin Ivanova, the unification of these two cultural groups stems from a shared dedication to Bulgarian folklore and a commitment to promoting Bulgarian culture internationally. Their joint performance will feature the “Shopska Zakachka” (“Shopi tease”), a piece choreographed by Iliya Petkov.
This routine draws inspiration from traditional dances of the Shopluk folklore region, aiming to evoke the lively spirit and playful interactions characteristic of village celebrations. The participating collective comprises 22 dancers, aged between 14 and over 60. Several members of the group were born or raised in Germany but maintain deep cultural ties to their Bulgarian heritage.
Preparation for this performance has involved intensive weekly rehearsals, alongside the meticulous creation of costumes and accessories. This travelling festival serves as a platform bringing together amateur Bulgarian folklore ensembles from around the world. Since its inception in 2015, the event has been hosted in various European cities.
The performance represents a significant joint effort for the two established groups, showcasing the vibrancy of Bulgarian dance traditions on a wider stage.
Topics: #dance #groups #essen
