WorldFestivalAssociation

                                   I N V I T A T I O N

    With pleasure we INVITE you (Folk groups, Choral groups and orchestras majorette teams), (children, youth and adults groups) to participate on III International  Music & Folk Dance festival “SKOPJE DANCE ”   21 -24 April, Skopje 2016

     The Festival light motive is to present the cultural tradition of different countries and to provide an opportunity for the members of groups to get together, to establish friendships and culture presentation trough dance and music.

Skopje is the capital city of the Republic of Macedonia. It is at the same time the largest city in the country. Skopje is the country’s political, cultural, economic and academic center. It is located in the Skopje Valley along the upper course of the biggest river in Macedonia – Vardar River. The river divides the city into a south and north part.

Through times the city of Skopje was influenced by different cultures, religions and nations who all had their own mark on what the city is today, however the biggest influence of unique architecture was left by the ruling of the Ottoman empire.

On the 26th of July 1963, Skopje was deeply changed due to an earthquake which struck the city. 75% of the buildings in the city disappeared in just a few seconds. This left a mark on the city, its population and culture, which actually has its consequences until present day.

Today, Skopje is a modern city with many bars, cafes, restaurants that cater for almost all individualneeds. The city has various and beautiful parks and different recreational areas. It is greatly dynamic at night with vast variety of night clubs, lounge bars and pubs where locals love to hang out and our tourists can experience the real culture of Skopje.

ASkopje is the capital city of the Republic of Macedonia. It is at the same time the largest city in the country. Skopje is the country’s political, cultural, economic and academic center. It is located in the Skopje Valley along the upper course of the biggest river in Macedonia – Vardar River. The river divides the city into a south and north part.

Through times the city of Skopje was influenced by different cultures, religions and nations who all had their own mark on what the city is today, however the biggest influence of unique architecture was left by the ruling of the Ottoman empire.

On the 26th of July 1963, Skopje was deeply changed due to an earthquake which struck the city. 75% of the buildings in the city disappeared in just a few seconds. This left a mark on the city, its population and culture, which actually has its consequences until present day.

For more information visit www.skopjeinfo.mk.

                                             Program Proposal

21.04. Thursday   

  13.00.Arrival in Skopje , hotel accommodation,

14.00 – 15.00 Lunch in hotel

19.00 – 20.00 Dinner in hotel

21.00. Welcome reception

22.04. Friday

 09.00 -11.00 Breakfast,

 11.00 -14.00  Skopje  sightseeing – visiting cultural monuments (fontain of Alexander the Great, St.SPAS church, Kale fortress, Stone bridge, Bridge of arts,Macedonian Gate…)

   14.00 – 15.00 Lunch in hotel

       18.00. Ensembles parade (old town)

      18.30. Official opening of the festival

             -  welcome speech and firework

              - open air performance

              - Dancing together

     20.30  Dinner in hotel

   23.04   Saturday 

 09.00 -10.00 Breakfast,

11.00 – 15.30 Shopping in the city 

19.00 – 21.00 Dinner in hotel

21.00.- 00.00 Social events, exchange presents, disco party with wine degustation and soft drink for the kid

   24.04. Sunday  

   09.00 Breakfast

11.00 Departure of the participants

OPTIONAL – If you stay more days…

24.04 Sunday

09.00 -10.00 Breakfast,

 10.30 – 17.00  Visiting Ohrid city

   19.00 – 20.00 Dinner in hotel

   20.00. – 23.00 Party for goodbye 

25.05. Monday

08.00 – 09.00 Breakfast,

General rules :

-         is a non-competitive sample of traditional and modern dances, choral groups and majorette teams.

-         Every Folklore,Choral group and majorette Teams has the right to participate. Children's ensembles  (2/3 of the participants must be 16 or younger), Youth ensembles (2/3 of the participants must be 25 or younger), adult ensembles (1/3 of the participants must be older than 25).On the festival may participate folklore dance groups, modern dance groups, vocal groups, instrumental groups and soloists, as well as groups and performers from other art styles. . 

-         The number of participants are limited (only 3  groups from each country),

-         Each group should consist of most 50 members including dancers, managers and musicians,

-         Ensemble should have prepared at least 2 dances, 10-15 minutes each with orchestra or CD. The performances will be in the evening hours so you can plan the day ahead and use it for visiting the historical part of the city.

-         To send us short CV and 2 – 3 photos of the group,

-         To take a flag of the country,

-         Folklore groups should have there own transport for arrival and departure,

Participation fee is 65 Euros 3 HB per person (3 nights with 2 meals per day (Half Board). It covers hotel accommodation with 2 meals per day in 3*** hotels which are located on the center of the city

Hotel Vip – www.wiphotel.com.mk

Hotel Kontinental  -  http://www.hotelcontinental.com.mk/,

Festival organizers provide:

-         for 21 dancers – one gratis,

-         Certificate for attendance,

-         souvenir and gift for each group,

-         Welcome cocktail

-         Disco party with drink

-         drinks during the performance,

-         tourist guides for sightseeing of the town,

-         reception in city hall,

-         advertising of the festival (press conference, radio and tv channels, posters and flayers).

INSURANCE: 
Personal responsibility and health insurance are within the other obligations of the groups. First Aid and Medical Hospital will be available, medical services must be covered by the group.

On your request,  You can continue your stay in Skopje. Price will be 21 Euro per day per person FB – price is special for the participants in festivals that we can provide.

Organizers keep the right to change program of the festival. After Groups arrived in Hotel will be given detailed program of the festival and each group will have guide during festival.

    After the festival finish organizers will send you DVD from the festival program for each group and photos.The copy right of all video materials and pictures are ownership of the Organization of the Festival.

  We will also assist you in obtaining visa for Macedonia if necessary. Also, you can arrive in Skopje airport and we will organize  transport to hotel. The cost of the transportation will be covered by the group and will be additionally agreed according to their number.

  By applying you confirm that you accept all festival conditions. All detailed information  will be supply after your confirmation for participations.

In 2015 on this Festival participated over 185  (children’s, youth and adults) participants from 5  countries of  Europe.