Over 4,000 spectators experienced the traditional Christmas pageant at Arena Ruse

Monday, 16 December 2024

Gabriela Dimitrova and Kiril Iliev are the new Miss and Mister Dance for 2024.

Over 4,000 spectators filled the Arena Ruse hall on December 15 to watch the traditional Christmas pageant, organized by the Municipality of Ruse. A record-breaking 700+ participants took part in it and nearly 40 attractive prizes were awarded, provided by the Municipality and “Municipal Markets”.

The Mayor of Ruse Municipality Pencho Milkov opened the pageant and welcomed the thousands of spectators. He shared that for him this event is a celebration of Bulgarian and all those who love folk songs and dances. Milkov emphasized that dance clubs are the contemporary centers of Bulgarian folklore traditions and we must preserve and strengthen them. “I wish you to be strong and spread the love for Bulgarian. I wish you a Merry Christmas and let us learn to be united and love Bulgaria! ”, said the mayor.

The competition featured 30 couples from the FDT “Naiden Kirov”, the ensembles “Zornitsa”, “Zdravets” and “Ruschukliyche” at the Municipal Children’s Center for Culture and Art and the Folk Dance Studio “Zora” at the Municipal Youth Center. The jury, chaired by the choreographer and director of the Professional Folklore Ensemble “Miziya” – Targovishte Lyubcho Vassilev, and members – Prof. Katya Kairyakova – choreographer and teacher at the Varna Free University, and Denitsa Ancheva – choreographer and teacher at the National school of arts “Prof. Veselin Stoyanov”, evaluated the dancers who performed in three age groups.

The winners in the youngest grades from 1st to 4th were Gabriela Dimitrova and Yordan Metodiev. Second place went to Nevena Dimova and Michael Stoyanov, and third place to Kosara Mateva and Viktor Tsvyatkov. The little talents were awarded by the mayor for their masterful performances. In the next group from 5th to 8th grade, the winners were Tea Doncheva and Viktor Popov, followed by Victoria Karaivanova and Kiril Iliev. Third place went to Ivayla Ivanova and Danail Donev. In the category from 9th to 12th grade, first place went to Kalina Toteva and Momchil Zhelyazkov, second place went to Danaya Ivanova and Hristo Todorov, and third place went to Nikol Minkova and Velizar Tonchev.

The most attractive and beautiful dancers were chosen for Miss and Mister Dance 2024. This year, the prestigious ribbon was awarded to Gabriela Dimitrova and Kiril Iliev, who were wildly applauded by the audience.

The audience also witnessed the skillful dance steps of the Bulgarian Folk Club "Nashentsi", Dance Association "Zhaltitsa", School of Folk Dances "Igraortsi", Folk Dance Club "Rodolyubets", Folklore Teacher "Orisia", Sports and Dance Club "Flamingo Etno", Folk Dance Club "Elbetitsa" at the Secondary school "St. Konstantin-Kiril Philosopher" and School of Folk Dances "Vito Horo", which made their debut on the big stage.

Kosara Mateva won a diploma and a plaque in the name of Ivan Donev, founder of the FDT "Naiden Kirov". The head of the ensemble Bogdan Donev presented the award for the 11th year, which is awarded to the most artistic performer on stage.

The culmination of the celebration were the performances of the singer Nelina, who brought the audience to their feet. The audience came out into the arena and played choir while the singer delighted them with her songs.

A stand with souvenirs made by the children from the National Children's Creativity Competition was set up in the arena, and the proceeds from the sale were donated to the Alexander Rusev Foundation.

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