site.btaBulgarian Folklore Ensemble Head Ekenova from Lyon: The Other Bulgaria Is Where Hearts Beat to Same Rhythm

Anita Ekenova, who lives in Lyon, France, and heads the Ot Izvora folklore ensemble there, told BTA here on Sunday that the other Bulgaria is where hearts beat to the same rhythm – that of the horo [traditional chain dance]. Ekenova was in Sofia for the 4th Meeting of the of Heads of Bulgarian Folklore Ensembles Abroad, which took place from November 7 to 9.

She noted that such meetings are a necessity: "This is a place where we get to know each other and become closer. Many ideas and projects are born here; it is a very creative moment."

Ekenova said that she keeps her dancers from Ot Izvora motivated through variety: "I like our programme to always be different. This year, I am motivating them by introducing them to different choreographers – some are friends and leaders of other Bulgarian ensembles abroad, others are famous Bulgarian choreographers, and others are unknown to us."

She also said that she is happy that she has managed to create not just an ensemble, but a family of dancers: "There is no universal recipe or formula for creating and leading a folk ensemble, but I try to do everything with my heart. If you accept everyone who comes with desire and give them the attention they need, things will definitely turn out well," she told BTA.

Ekenova organizes the Expats Join Hands in Worldwide Dance travelling festival. In October, she won the Bulgarian Woman of the Year - St Zlata of Meglen 2024 Award.