The dance groups “Shevitsa” from Essen, Germany, and “Mila Rodina” from Krefeld, Germany, are set to participate together under the name “Shevitsi from Mila Rodina.” They will feature in the 11th Expats Join Hands in Worldwide Dance travelling festival, scheduled from May 15 to 17 at the BMW Park in Munich. The collaboration marks the first joint appearance for the two ensembles. According to their leader, Ivandzhelin Ivanova, the partnership stems from a mutual commitment to preserving and promoting Bulgarian culture abroad through dance.
The performance will feature the dance “Shopska Zakachka” (“Shopi tease”), which was choreographed by Iliya Petkov. This routine is inspired by traditional dances originating from the Shopluk folklore region, aiming to recreate the lively atmosphere and playful interactions characteristic of village celebrations. The participating group comprises 22 dancers, whose ages range from 14 to over 60.
While some members were born or raised in Germany, they maintain a deep connection to their Bulgarian heritage. Preparation for the festival has involved rigorous rehearsals multiple times per week, alongside the meticulous creation of costumes and accessories. The travelling festival itself gathers amateur Bulgarian folklore ensembles from various international locations.
Since its inception in 2015, the event has been hosted in several European cities, providing a platform for cultural exchange and showcasing the depth of Bulgarian traditions through dance.
Topics: #dance #groups #essen
Looking forward to seeing the collaboration between the two groups at the festival.