site.btaSpanish-Based Ensemble to Debut Strandzha-Themed Dance in Munich

The amateur folk ensemble Na Megdana from Gandia, Spain will present an original dance inspired by Mount Strandzha in Southeastern Bulgaria at the eleventh travelling festival Expats Join Hands in Worldwide Dance, to be held at BMW Park in Munich, Germany from May 15 to May 17.

Ensemble leader and choreographer Siika Marinova said the piece is her personal confession and tribute to her "first beloved" - Mount Strandzha. She spoke about growing up with songs and dances from that folklore area and drawing inspiration from the emotion and rituals of the traditional Strandzha wedding.

Marinova said the group prepared with care for every detail, creating much of their traditional clothing themselves. The youngest dancers, some as young as six, also helped and will perform onstage "to show how Bulgaria is loved."

Na Megdana will close the first day of the festival with a performance on May 15 at 20:00.

This year is a jubilee for the ensemble, which will mark 10 years since its creation on November 20. Around 40 adults and 15 children take part, along with an amateur group learning traditional dances.

This is the group's fifth participation in the festival, which BTA is supporting as the official media partner.