Author: zaraAn

Country: Israel

Director: Vitaliy Pavlov

The team was founded by Vitaliy and Oksana Pavlov in 2009. They have participated in many festivals and competitions in Israel, such as “Star of the Dance,” “Dance of Israel,” “Stars of the Negev+,” “Smiles of the Red Sea,” and others, where they consistently won the “Grand Prix” and 1st places. In the “Constellation” competition in Slovakia, they won two 1st places in different age categories. Additionally, they took 1st place in the “Christmas Stars” competition in Moscow in the nomination for the best dance group.

Country: Georgia

Director: Koba Zhgenti

Georgian folk dance ensemble Bolneli, founded in 1992, has gained international acclaim for their captivating performances. Led by Koba Zhgenti, the ensemble has showcased the rich traditions of Georgian dance in various countries. They have left their mark at festivals and competitions in Bulgaria, Estonia, France, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Russia, and Turkey, among others.

Their participation in the XXIII Folklore International Festival in Bulgaria and the Grand Folklore International Festival in Estonia earned them accolades and admiration.

The ensemble’s captivating performances have garnered special applause and appreciation from audiences across different cities and countries. Their talent has been showcased in iconic venues, such as the great ancient amphitheater of Plovdiv in Bulgaria, where they performed in front of a diverse audience of 5000 people, including the President of Bulgaria. Bolneli’s international success and the warm reception they receive are a testament to their dedication and the respect they command in the world of Georgian folk dance.

Country: Ireland

Director: Jackie White

Established in February 1998, Tir Na n-Og Irish Dance Troupe, Belfast are a multi-award winning Irish Dance group and have won both solo and team national titles across numerous age groups and championships through the years. Whilst competitive Irish Dance success is a main aim of the troupe, they have also excelled in their performance work. They have had sell out shows in theatres all over Ireland since 2001.  These full length shows comprise completely original dance pieces carefully constructed and choreographed to tell a story through the medium of Irish Festival Dance.

In Bulgaria this year, the group will perform a fusion of traditional and contemporary Irish dancing in both light and heavy shoes to both traditional and modern music  – a combination of reels and jigs to delight those watching. In this way, audiences can sample the traditional art form handed down through generations in Ireland alongside the more modern and contemporary interpretation of the beautiful Irish music.

Media channels:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tirnanogschool

Country: Kosovo

Director: Gezim Shertollaj

Dance Pri Fest is an organization that promotes Albanians’ authentic and artistic dance with an emphasis on culture, art and cultural heritage. . Founded by talented dancers, choreographers, and musicians from Prizren, they have represented Kosovo in international festivals as members of the “Agimi” Artistic and Cultural Society. They have performed in Italy, Turkey, Germany, Bulgaria, Poland, Greece and many other places, and have received awards for their original performances. The organization consists of dancers, musicians, and painters, and is a member of FIDAF Kosova, collaborating on cultural activities and festivals.

Media channels:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agimi.shka

Country: Malaysia

Director: Mohd Shareezad Satad

University Malaysia Terengganu will be sending representatives from the PERSADATARI group to participate in the festival. Established 20 years ago, this group has attained significant success at the state, national and international levels. By paying homage to art, culture, and heritage, the PERSADATARI group remains committed to preserving the traditional dance arts of the Malaysian community.

During the festival, the dancers will showcase a traditional Terengganu dance. Originating as a ritual dance, it has evolved into a captivating art form performed for entertainment purposes.

Media channels:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/persadatariofficial/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/persadatariofficial/

Participation in the Solo/Couple category

Country: The Philippines

Director: Vivian  Egonio-Norman

The Filipino American Community of Colorado is one of the oldest Asian American Community in Colorado establishing in 1954.

Its mission is to share, educate and preserve our Filipino Heritage and culture.

The prepared performances for the festival will include dances like Madal Soyow which portrays the bravery of Tboli warriors protecting women. To symbolize peace and unity, warriors execute the movements without placing the sword or shields on the ground which symbolizes death. Meanwhile, the Madal Sloung be knibano dance showcases the beauty and colorful attire of Tboli Princess or Boi.

The Salip dance presents courtship dances from different Kalinga areas, including slow-motion pieces and dances reminiscent of eagles. In the Banga dance, women exhibit their agility and strength by balancing pots or banga used for water fetching. These captivating performances reflect the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the Philippines.

Media channels:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFACC

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coloradofilipinos/

Participation in the Solo/Couple category

Country: Hungary

Director: Juhasz Zholt

The Duna Art Ensemble, founded in 1957, is a group of 24 professional folk dancers and a folk orchestra. Their goal is to promote interest in folk dance, challenge stereotypes, and showcase the diversity and artistic expression of Hungarian folk dance. They combine tradition preservation with artistic experimentation in their performances, which include children’s shows, dance theatre productions, and participation in folk dance festivals worldwide. The ensemble has successfully shared the beauty of Hungarian folk music and dance across the globe.

Media channels:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duna.muveszegyuttes

Participation in the Solo/Couple category

Country: Armenia

Director: Tigran Noratyan

In 1934, the first music school was founded in Leninakan to train skilled musicians and contribute to the city’s cultural life. In 1954, it was named after Kristapor Kara-Murza, the founder of Armenian polyphony. The school, now a college, has offered specialties such as piano, string instruments, brass and percussion instruments, singing, and dance art. Over the years, it has produced talented musicians who have excelled in competitions and performed on prominent stages. The college continues its dedication to providing quality education and training. Additionally, since 2010, the Gyumri State Musical College has included a dance faculty, serving as the region’s only center for professional dance education.

Media channels:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karamurzamusicalcollege

Participation in the Solo/Couple category

Country: Indonesia

Director: Mrs. Asih Maya Sari

The Tegal Art House Foundation is a dedicated organization that accommodates and supports artists in the Tegal region. With well-equipped facilities and skilled personnel, the foundation enables artists to create exceptional works in the performing arts field. They offer free training and education in various forms of art, including Traditional and Contemporary Dance, Musical Karawitan, Pedalangan, and Sinden.

Recognizing the importance of innovation in the arts, the foundation strives to encourage new ideas and creativity in order to ensure the survival and relevance of art in society. They believe that without innovation, art may be disregarded and even forgotten by future generations, leading to its extinction.

The group actively participates in local, national, and international festivals and competitions, showcasing their expertise and broadening their experience in the arts.

Media channels:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083993957633

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rumahsenitegal/

Participation in the Ensembles category and the Solo/Couple category

Country: Guam

Director: Brian Jess C. Terlaje

Brian Jess Terlaje founded a culture dance group in Yona, Guam in 1999, aiming to contribute to his community and promote the local culture. The group specialized in Hawaiian, Tahitian, and Chamoru dances, participating in various competitions over the years. The group, known as Guma’ Råsan Acho’ Latte, has undergone numerous transformations and recently established a program at John F. Kennedy High School, which has been running for 11 years. They have collaborated with the Guam Visitors’ Bureau to promote cultural and economic initiatives in several countries, including Japan, Korea, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines, and Malaysia.

Guma’ Råsan Acho’ Latte continues to work with organizations such as the Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency, Department of Chamoru Affairs, and the Department of Education to raise awareness and educate people worldwide about the Chamoru language, history, and culture. Their mission is to preserve and perpetuate the indigenous Chamoru language and carry on the culture and legacy of the locals.

Media channels:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064853944117

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gumarasanacho/

Participation in the Ensembles category and the Solo/Couple category