Category:

Country: Georgia

Director: Nana (Sopo) Shanava and Levan Phiphia

The choreographic ensemble “Imedi” was formed in Zugdidi in 2002. The ensemble is led by choreographers: Nana (Sopo) Shanava and Levan Phiphia. The ensemble has been working successfully for 21 years and is actively involved in cultural events held in Georgia and abroad, it is the owner of many republican and international competition-festival prizes.
On May 11, 2023, a personal star was opened to the ensemble.
The leaders of the ensemble have been awarded by the Union of Choreographers of Georgia with the title of “Ambassador and Amagdar of Georgian Choreography“.

Participation in the Ensembles category and the Solo/Couple category

Country: Bulgarian-based Indonesian dance group

Director: Kaloyan Stoyanov

Pesona Mawar Nusantara (PMN), translated as “The Enchanting Roses of the Archipelago,” is the only Indonesian dance group in Bulgaria and one of the few in all of Europe. The group aims to popularize Indonesian arts through performances of traditional dances in authentic costumes, promoting tourism and interest in Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage. This year, PMN celebrates its 20th anniversary, during which it has won numerous awards at cultural events and international folklore festivals both domestically and abroad. The group’s repertoire includes over 35 dances from different regions of the world’s largest archipelago.

Media channels:

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

Country: Mexico

Director: Juan Antonio Salcedo Padilla

The Vallarta Azteca Folk Dance Group, founded in 2003 at the College of Scientific and Technological Studies in Jalisco, Mexico, represents the essence of Mexican traditions through dance. The group is renowned both nationally and internationally, having performed over 3,500 times in prestigious venues across Mexico and abroad. They organize the “Vallarta Azteca Festival of International Folklore” and the “National Folk Dance Contest in Puerto Vallarta.” Under the direction of Antonio Salcedo Padilla, they have won numerous awards, including the 2018 Vallarta Award for Cultural Promotion and multiple national championships. The group has toured extensively in countries such as Canada, Argentina, and Poland, and has a diverse repertoire of traditional Mexican dances.

Media channels:

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

Participation in the Ensembles category and the Solo/Couple category

Country: Moldova

Director: Veaceslav Sirbu

The Ensemble “STRAMOSEASCA,” founded in 1995 in the Republic of Moldova, has grown to over 100 active dancers and holds the title of “Exemplary Ensemble” since 1997. It has achieved significant success in national and international competitions and festivals, earning numerous awards and captivating audiences worldwide. Their international representation includes performances in Romania, Ukraine, Italy, France, Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Russia, Turkey, and Belarus. Recent notable achievements include the Grand Prize at the 2018 “Карпатський простiр” festival in Ukraine, the Gold Medal at the 2019 Moscow Delphic Games, and being named “Best Artistic Collective of the Year” in 2020. Their 2023 summer festival performances in Sibiu and Arad, Romania, further solidified their reputation.

Participation in the Ensembles category and the Solo/Couple category

Country: North Macedonia

Director: Bojan Trajcheski

Ensemble “Oteks Folk” began in 1983 as a cultural association at the “Oteks” textile factory in Ohrid, Macedonia. Initially formed by dancers from factory employees’ families, it quickly grew into a significant institution. The ensemble expanded its repertoire, incorporating original instruments, traditional costumes, and regional dances.

The ensemble features a strong folklore school, training over 150 young members, starting in a children’s ensemble and advancing to higher levels under expert mentorship. Known for their energy, precision, and vibrant costumes, “Oteks Folk” members have performed globally, showcasing Macedonian culture and earning high praise for their artistic excellence.

Over the years, the ensemble has performed in numerous countries and cities, including Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Netherlands, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, USA, and France. Their performances emphasize the universal language of music and dance, fostering cultural unity and appreciation.

Media channels:

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

Participation in the Ensembles category and the Solo/Couple category

Country: Kazakhstan

Director: Mikhail Lakhtin

The dance ensemble “Mangilik” was created in October 2017 under the North Kazakhstan Regional Philharmonic Society. Today, the ensemble’s repertoire includes 23 concert routines, showcasing a diverse and vibrant palette of dances representing the peoples living in the Republic of Kazakhstan. In July 2018, in Astana, the ensemble won the Grand Prix and the title of laureate at the X International Shattyk Festival. In November 2018, “Mangilik” secured 1st place and the title of laureate at the XXI International Festival of Creative Youth “Shabyt” in Astana.

Media channels:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sko.filarmoniya

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sko_filarmoniya?igsh=amFmbHE0djJ5eWI4

Participation in the Ensembles category and the Solo/Couple category

Country: Italy

Director: Gianni Ianni

The Historical Group of Flag Wavers of the City of L’Aquila was founded in 1995, inspired by the ancient Celestinian Pardon tradition. Their passion for flag waving began during the procession of the Bull, leading to the creation of a group dedicated to this art form. Over the years, they have performed across Italy and internationally, in countries such as France, Germany, Spain, and the United States, promoting cultural exchange and connecting their heritage with the world.

Their performances, characterized by vibrant flag waving, music from drummers and trumpeters, and extras in fourteenth-century attire, are a living tale of L’Aquila’s history and culture. The group’s shows are a blend of technical skill, historical authenticity, and emotional storytelling, offering audiences an immersive experience.

Media channels:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sbandieratori.laquila

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbandieratorilaquila?igsh=MXd3c2h6aWswb2JkOA==

Participation in the Ensembles category and the Solo/Couple category

Country: Bolivia

Director: Adett Salomón Pinto M.

The ANDEBOL National Dance Academy was founded on July 17, 1988, in Cochabamba, located in the heart of Bolivia, and has now reached 35 years of experience. ANDEBOL has gained recognition both nationally and internationally, having toured within Bolivia and abroad, performing on the most important stages in the country and across the Americas. Known for quality and discipline, the academy features a highly recognized dance troupe and its own live musical group, ensuring top-level shows.

Media channels:

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

Participation in the Ensembles category and the Solo/Couple category