Ada Kokoshi

I joined Bashkimi Dance Group in 2001 at a young age, and as I grew with the group so did my love for the Albanian Folk Dance. I have come to appreciate our culture, traditions and values, and there is no better feeling than being able to express them through dancing. I hope that our group's work will enhance future Albanian generations to connect and embrace their heritage, the very same way it did for all the people listed in this page.

Aida Jovani

I joined Bashkimi Dance a few years ago out of spontaneity. What started out as a past time quickly taught me to love and appreciate the dances and costumes from all regions of Albania. I became very attached to the group as it created a special bond between me and my home country, and I hope that we continue to preserve our culture for generations to come.

Arber Muhameti

"I cannot dance", "I have never danced before", are not reasons to be afraid of joining Bashkimi Dance. I never ever danced any kind of dances before the age of 19. I slowly started to show my passion for Albanian traditional dancing after leaving our motherland. Coming to Boston and joining this wonderful group was one of the best things that could ever happen to an ex-dance-ignorant person like myself. Bashkimi Dance offered me and all the other members everything: dancing, love, fun, a big wonderful family, and not to forget - a lot of "byrek".

Dea Braho

My name is Dea and I have been part of Bashkimi Dance since 2002. I have always enjoyed dancing and learning about the art of dance makes me appreciate it even more. Our performances make me extremely proud because they give us a chance to represent our beautiful culture.

Donald Braho

I began dancing at the age of 10. I trained in different disciplines both in Albania and the States, where I also took modern dance and other new genres. While in Albania I trained professionally for Albanian Folk Dance and continued this education in the States as well under the instructions of choreographer Bashkim Braho. One of my proudest achievements has been choreographing 'Dance of Dibra' according to the strict guidelines of that region. I am in the process of choreographing a dance from the Laberia region of the south, while helping to instruct the class. My involvement in the group, in all its activities, has given me a lot of pride, honor and respect for our heritage and traditions.

Dhimonel Kolvani

If someday, you happen to hear of "Bashkimi Dance", do not hesitate but go and check it out. I come from Pogradec. The traditional dance has been in my heart since I was a kid. Now, many years later, I was given the chance to dance with this wonderful group and these wonderful friends and dancers. Dancing brings me passion, joy and nostalgia. Like F.Nietzsche has said "I would believe only in a God that knows how to dance". Dancing is one of the most beautiful ways to represent Albania. Do not forget it, protect it and live with it!

Eglantina Malaj

I joined the Bashkimi Dance Group shortly after moving to the States. After seeing a beautiful dance called “Oda Kosovare”, I was immediately fascinated with the work of the group, and decided to become a member. As soon as I joined, I was so eager to learn the dances that I would practice endlessly on my own till I perfected them. One of my highest achievements was to perform at the Annual Albanian Festival in New York, only a month after joining the group. I was so proud of myself but also very thankful to the professor and the rest of the group for placing so much trust in me. Ever since I joined, the group has become my family; we have grown and shared many experiences together, and I hope there will be many more in the years to come.

Ervin Kulenica

"We dance for laughter, we dance for tears, we dance for madness, we dance for fears, we dance for hopes, we dance for screams, we are the dancers, we create the dreams."

Ela Bica

My engagement with Bashkimi Dance has enabled me to become closer to the rich culture of our motherland. I admire our heritage and I consider our group an ambassador of our traditions and values in America. I am proud and happy to be able to transmit them through our performances and I hope that my inspiration reaches everyone who is visiting this website.

Irma Dishnica

I decided to join this dance group because it gives me the opportunity to express myself artistically and give me the chance to learn more about my culture. I left Albania at a very young age, and I have been very happy to reconnect with my culture through the group’s activities. Though I am very busy on a day-to-day basis, the group gives me the opportunity to relax in a very enjoyable fun way. I want to thank all the dancers for helping me and I look forward to future performances.

Marsel Kane

I've been a member of the group since January of 2006. The first time that I saw the group perform I was left breathless and I could not believe the quality of the performance. I decided to accept the invitation from Guljed and since then I have been more than happy to be part of the group. I am proud to represent Albanian culture through folk dancing.

Taulant Lame

As I came to this country my brother suggested that I join a dance group called Bashkimi Dance Group. At first I was very skeptical of being part of a dance group, but after the first rehearsal, I enjoyed myself greatly and decided to stick with them. I have lived in several cities in Albania, and it’s great to see the group taking pride in all the dances from all different regions. I look forward to learning all that the group has to offer.