The dance groups “Shevitsa” from Essen, Germany, and “Mila Rodina” from Krefeld, Germany, are set to perform jointly under the name “Shevitsi from Mila Rodina.” They will participate in the 11th Expats Join Hands in Worldwide Dance travelling festival, scheduled for May 15–17 at the BMW Park in Munich. This joint appearance marks the first time the two ensembles have performed together. According to their leader, Ivandzhelin Ivanova, the collaboration is motivated by a mutual commitment to preserving and promoting Bulgarian culture abroad through dance.
The performance will feature the dance “Shopska Zakachka” (“Shopi tease”), choreographed by Iliya Petkov. This piece draws inspiration from the traditional dances of the Shopluk folklore region, aiming to recreate the lively spirit and playful interactions characteristic of village gatherings. The combined group comprises 22 dancers, whose ages range from 14 to over 60.
Many members of the groups were either born or raised in Germany but maintain deep ties to their Bulgarian heritage. Preparation for the festival has involved rigorous rehearsals multiple times weekly, alongside the creation of specialized costumes and accessories. The travelling festival gathers amateur Bulgarian folklore ensembles from around the world and has been held in various European cities since its inception in 2015.
The participation of these established groups from Essen and Krefeld highlights a continuing dedication to cultural exchange through dance.
Topics: #dance #groups #essen
It will be interesting to see the synergy between the two dance groups in Munich.
What is the nature of the “Expats Join Hands in Worldwide Dance” festival?