site.btaDetelina Dance Group from Dresden to Present Shopski Dance in Munich

Detelina Dance Group from Dresden, Germany, will take part in the 11th Expats Join Hands in Worldwide Dance travelling folklore festival. The festival will take place in BMW Park in Munich, Germany, from May 15 to 17.

"This year we will present 'Dances from the Shopski Square'. We have selected interesting Shopski dances with unique combinations of irregular rhythms and traditional dances from this region. Through them, we want to convey the diversity and vibrancy of the village square, to show how people dance and flirt there," the Dance Group said.

The dancers from the folklore formation said the selection of dances, stage presentation and preparation are entirely in the hands of the group’s choreographer and leader Georgi Marinov, a professional choreographer and dance pedagogue with more than 30 years of experience in various dance styles and age groups.

"The interwoven hands in the horo symbolize for us the power of human closeness. We do not simply perform dance steps, but share joy and build community. Love for traditions is what keeps us grounded, but also gives us wings to fly together. For us, folk dance is a way to preserve our cultural heritage and share the energy, beauty and spirit of Bulgarian folk dances with the people around us. We hope above all that our performance will delight the audience and inspire them to join the horo," the dancer added.

According to the dancers, preparations for participation in the gathering begin several months in advance and rehearsals are already under way to achieve synchrony.

According to them, the Detelina group is exceptionally diverse.

"Our costumes are different, just as we are different people in terms of education, profession, family status, life experience and even nationality. Around 45 people dance in the group, but 30 dancers aged from 13 to over 70 will take part in Munich. We are happy that both Bulgarians and Germans, young and old, dance together in our group. For our German friends, the irregular rhythms are a challenge, which they overcome with love and perseverance," the folklore formation concluded.

The Expats Join Hands in Worldwide Dance travelling festival is organized by and for amateur folklore ensembles performing outside Bulgaria. The initiative was launched by the Ot Izvora group in Lyon, France, which hosted both the first edition in 2015 and the tenth edition in 2025. More than 100 dance ensembles and over 4,000 guests are expected at the 11th edition in Munich in May. The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) is the official media partner of the event and will present all participants.