Dance Group "Aratlii" is a Bulgarian folk dance formation based in Burgas, Bulgaria, dedicated to preserving, developing, and sharing the rich traditions of Bulgarian folk dance. Under the artistic direction of Mr. Bozhidar Penev, the group brings together people who share a deep passion for Bulgarian folklore, traditional music, and dance.
The group's performances celebrate the remarkable diversity of Bulgarian folklore through dynamic choreography, rhythmic movement, traditional costumes, and authentic folk music. Their repertoire draws inspiration from the different folkloric regions of Bulgaria, presenting the distinctive character, energy, and beauty of Bulgarian traditional dance.
Mr. Bozhidar Penev has been connected with Bulgarian folk dance from an early age. He began dancing with the Folklore Dance Ensemble "Zdravets" in Kameno and later completed his education in choreography in Plovdiv. He graduated from the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts in Plovdiv with a specialization in Bulgarian Folk Choreography and professional qualification as a choreographer-pedagogue.
In 2012, Mr. Penev established his own dance formation for folklore and character dances in Burgas. In 2021, together with Teodora Peneva, he founded the Bulgarian folk dance club "Aratlii", creating a welcoming community where dancers of different levels can learn, practise, and experience the joy of Bulgarian folk dance.
Through its artistic activities, Dance Group "Aratlii" aims not only to teach dance steps but also to preserve Bulgarian cultural heritage, inspire appreciation for folklore, encourage an active lifestyle, and bring people together through music and dance. The group proudly shares the spirit of Bulgarian folklore with audiences through concerts, cultural celebrations, and international cultural exchanges.
M/S. Pfarrwanger Schuhplattler is a traditional Austrian folk dance group from Upper Austria, dedicated to preserving and presenting the lively heritage of Schuhplattler, one of Austria's most distinctive traditional dance forms. Under the direction of Mr. Karl Pürstinger, the group showcases the energy, rhythm, discipline, and cultural character of Austrian folk traditions.
The group's performances are characterized by energetic footwork, rhythmic stamping, hand-clapping, and traditional movements performed with precision and enthusiasm. Through colourful traditional costumes, lively choreography, and authentic folk presentation, Pfarrwanger Schuhplattler brings the cultural spirit of Upper Austria to audiences.
The Pfarrwanger Schuhplattler was founded in 1991 and has developed into an active cultural association involving performers from different generations. The group plays an important role in keeping Austrian folk traditions alive by encouraging younger generations to learn, practise, and perform traditional Schuhplattler.
Through performances at cultural celebrations, community events, festivals, and international folklore gatherings, the group shares Austrian heritage with audiences from around the world. Their participation in international cultural exchanges also promotes friendship, understanding, and appreciation between different folk traditions.
FOGEM (Folklor ve Gençlik Merkezi) is a prominent cultural and folk dance organization based in Nicosia, Cyprus, dedicated to preserving, developing, and promoting the traditional folk dances and cultural heritage of the Turkish Cypriot community. Under the leadership of Mr. Salahi Döşemeci, FOGEM has become an active representative of Cypriot folk culture at national and international cultural events.
The group presents the rich traditions of Cyprus through authentic folk dances, traditional music, colourful costumes, and carefully prepared choreographies. Their performances reflect the cultural identity, history, customs, and community traditions of Cyprus while bringing the energy and beauty of Cypriot folklore to audiences around the world.
FOGEM also places strong emphasis on cultural education and the participation of young performers. Through regular training, rehearsals, cultural activities, and youth programmes, the organization encourages younger generations to learn and continue the traditional dances and customs of Cyprus.
The ensemble has represented Turkish Cypriot culture at international folklore festivals and cultural events. In 2025, FOGEM participated in the 37th Altın Karagöz Folk Dance Competition in Bursa, Türkiye, with a 35-member delegation, presenting Cypriot folk dances on an international stage.
Through its performances and international cultural exchanges, FOGEM promotes friendship, cultural understanding, and respect among people from different countries. The organization continues to contribute to the preservation of Cyprus's rich folk heritage while sharing its traditions with audiences across the world.
"Morska Zvezda" (meaning "Sea Star") is a community-based Klub po Narodni Tanci (Adult Amateur Folk Dance Club) operating primarily along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Functioning as a passionate community collective rather than a rigid, state-sponsored theatrical ensemble, the group is comprised of adult hobbyists, working professionals, and seniors who gather weekly to preserve the rich heritage of Bulgarian folklore.
Their central mission revolves around the Horo—the ancient tradition of open-circle and line dancing where participants hold hands or belts to form a unified chain. This setup fosters an energetic social ecosystem that blends physical fitness, community bonding, and cultural preservation, making the group a vital cultural anchor for local adults.
"Lakatniche" has participated in Bulgarian and international folklore festivals and competitions, representing their school and city through traditional dance. The group has received recognition at folklore competitions, including a bronze medal at the World Cup of Folklore in Veliko Tarnovo in the category of folklore dances with modern choreography.
The group’s diverse repertoire showcases the highly complex, asymmetrical time signatures and rhythmic patterns that define traditional Bulgarian music. Dancers master regional steps spanning the country's unique ethnographic regions, ranging from the universally recognized, smooth Pravo Horo in 2/4 time to the lively, hopping Pajduško Horo in 5/16 time and the expressive, improvised Râčenica in 7/16 time.
Folk Dance Ensemble "Lielupe" is a distinguished Latvian folk dance ensemble from Jelgava, Latvia, dedicated to preserving and presenting the rich traditions of Latvian folk dance. Under the leadership of Elita Simsone, the ensemble has developed a strong artistic identity built on a deep love for dance, discipline, responsibility, and a shared understanding of Latvian cultural traditions.
The ensemble brings together dancers from different generations, creating a strong cultural community in which Latvian folk dance traditions are passed from one generation to the next. Its performances combine traditional Latvian choreography, music, costumes, and expressive movements to present the beauty and spirit of Latvia's cultural heritage.
"Lielupe" has a long-standing tradition of representing Jelgava and Latvia at major cultural events and international festivals. The ensemble has performed in numerous countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, Thailand, Brazil, China, Nepal, Indonesia, Iran, Turkey, and several European countries, sharing Latvian folk traditions with audiences around the world.
The ensemble has also participated in Latvia's major Song and Dance Festival tradition, one of the country's most important cultural celebrations. Its artistic achievements have earned recognition in Latvia and internationally, reflecting the high level of dedication and performance maintained by its dancers and artistic leadership.
Through its performances and international cultural exchanges, Folk Dance Ensemble "Lielupe" promotes friendship, cultural understanding, and appreciation for Latvian heritage. With its commitment to tradition and its passion for dance, the ensemble continues to carry the spirit of Latvian folklore to audiences both in Latvia and across the world.
Children's Dance Group "Lakatniche" from NBU "Mihail Lakatnik" in Burgas, Bulgaria, represents the rich and colourful folk traditions of Bulgaria through the energy and enthusiasm of young dancers. The group is dedicated to introducing children to Bulgarian folklore and developing their skills through traditional dance, music, movement, and cultural expression.
The young performers present Bulgarian folk dances with lively choreography, rhythmic movements, traditional costumes, and strong stage discipline. Their performances reflect the diverse cultural heritage of Bulgaria while allowing children to experience and express the customs and traditions passed down through generations.
"Lakatniche" has participated in Bulgarian and international folklore festivals and competitions, representing their school and city through traditional dance. The group has received recognition at folklore competitions, including a bronze medal at the World Cup of Folklore in Veliko Tarnovo in the category of folklore dances with modern choreography.
The group also contributes to the cultural education of young people by encouraging children to learn about Bulgarian folklore, regional traditions, music, costumes, and dance. Through regular rehearsals and performances, the young dancers develop confidence, teamwork, discipline, and a deeper appreciation of their cultural heritage.
Through international cultural exchange, Children's Dance Group "Lakatniche" brings the youthful spirit of Bulgaria to audiences around the world, creating opportunities for friendship and cultural understanding while proudly sharing the country's rich folk traditions.
Folk Dance Formation "ALGARA", under the direction of Mrs. Nadezhda Atanasova, is a Bulgarian dance formation dedicated to preserving, developing, and presenting the rich traditions of Bulgarian folk dance. Through its artistic work, the formation brings the colorful heritage of Bulgarian folklore to audiences through dynamic choreography, traditional rhythms, and authentic cultural expression.
The formation presents dances inspired by the diverse folklore regions of Bulgaria, highlighting the distinctive movements, rhythms, costumes, and traditions that form an important part of the country's cultural identity. Its performances combine artistic precision, energy, and respect for Bulgarian folk heritage.
Under the artistic leadership of Mrs. Nadezhda Atanasova, "ALGARA" has participated in numerous cultural concerts, folklore celebrations, and artistic events, contributing to the promotion of Bulgarian traditional dance and culture. The formation has been featured in prestigious cultural programs and concerts in Bulgaria, including events in Sofia and performances connected with national cultural celebrations.
"ALGARA" is committed not only to stage performance but also to keeping Bulgarian folklore alive for new generations. Through its repertoire and artistic activities, the formation creates a vibrant connection between traditional Bulgarian heritage and contemporary audiences, sharing the beauty, spirit, and diversity of Bulgarian folk dance.
