site.btaAssociation Helps Bulgarians Abroad Stay Connected through Folklore

The Association of Bulgarian Folklore Ensembles Abroad (ABFEA) was founded to unite group leaders, ABFEA chair Radoslava Nedyalkova said in Sofia on Saturday. She noted that lively festivals rarely provide space for meaningful exchanges, prompting the creation of the association.

Currently, the association brings together 60 ensembles from Europe and the United States, Nedyalkova said. When ABFEA was established four years ago, it had just seven member groups.

Nedyalkova expressed delight at the association’s growth and at the enthusiasm among fellow group leaders to connect with their roots, learn from guest lecturers, and forge new contacts. She added that each annual meeting has a unique focus, with this year’s dedicated to the Pirin folklore region.

She highlighted a special feature of the fourth creative meeting: the launch of ABFEA’s project to create a digital catalogue of popular horo dances. The catalogue aims to support teaching within Bulgarian communities abroad.

The idea emerged within the association’s governing board, Nedyalkova explained. Plamen Petkov suggested field research to collect and record horo dances adapted to teaching outside Bulgaria, where all participants are amateurs. “We rehearse once or twice a week, sometimes only monthly, so our handbook is designed to address the needs of teachers abroad,” she said.

Asked how folklore ensembles support children and young Bulgarians born abroad in connecting with their heritage, Nedyalkova shared a personal story. “My daughter Aleksandra became passionate about folklore thanks to Folklore Group Nashentsi. Living in Italy, she wouldn’t have discovered Bulgarian culture without this group. Even while I was still pregnant with her, she listened to asymmetric rhythms during my singing and folk dance classes. Since her birth, she has attended every seminar, growing up surrounded by folklore. I believe it is our responsibility to guide our children to traditions, because on their own, they will struggle to find the source while growing up in a foreign-language environment,” Nedyalkova said.

Turning to the association’s organisational challenges, Nedyalkova said that coordinating members spread across different time zones can be difficult, especially between Europe and the US. “It’s tough to synchronize, but our team works well enough together to move forward and achieve our goals in the best possible way,” she said.

Next year, ABFEA will mark its tenth anniversary, and Nedyalkova revealed that the governing board is already considering ambitious ideas for a memorable celebration.

Nedyalkova also stressed the importance of the media in promoting Bulgarian folklore around the world. “Your role is fundamental and invaluable, because without the media we couldn’t share experiences or learn about events. I’m glad we have a reliable partner in BTA, not just for our major initiatives but for everything happening in the ensembles year-round,” she said.

At the end of the interview, Nedyalkova addressed Bulgarians throughout the world who keep the spirit of Bulgaria alive through song and dance, expressing her sincere gratitude and underlining that their mission is shared and deeply meaningful.