The Bulgarka & Pirina Dance Groups from Kent are scheduled to participate in the 11th Expats Join Hands in Worldwide Dance travelling festival in Munich from May 15 to 17. The group’s director, Inna Koteva, stated that their involvement contributes to the festival’s program, which unites Bulgarian folk ensembles globally and reinforces cultural ties outside Bulgaria’s borders. For this year, the dancers have prepared a performance titled Trakiyski Zadyavki [Thracian Teasing], a dance inspired by the spirited traditions of the Thracian folklore region.
Koteva explained that the choreography merges dynamism, playfulness, and artistic presence, reflecting the region’s characteristic wit and lively energy. She noted that the piece was developed in collaboration with Ruslan Rusev. “Our work encompasses the entire concept—from movement and composition to musical arrangement and stage presence.
The result is a complete performance that aims not simply to present a dance, but to tell a story through rhythm and emotion,” she added. According to Koteva, the message conveyed by the groups relates to the enduring vitality of Bulgarian folklore and its unifying power. Through their participation, they aim to demonstrate that traditions remain vibrant regardless of distance.
The pirina and Bulgarka groups merged after the COVID-19 pandemic. Koteva, who founded the Bulgarka Dance Group in 2013, highlighted the dedication involved, noting that preparations require intense rehearsal focusing on technique, expressiveness, and stage presence. The Expats Join Hands festival is organized for amateur folklore ensembles performing outside Bulgaria, and the 11th edition in Munich anticipates participation from over 100 ensembles.
Topics: #dance #groups #pirina
It’s wonderful to see the Bulgarka & Pirina groups sharing their culture at an international festival like that.
What is the significance of the “Trakiyski Zadyavki” dance at the Munich festival?