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.

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".

Blerina Idrizi

I joined Bashkimi Dance because I wanted to learn more about Albanian Folk Dance. The opportunity to perform in different venues in Mass,NY and beyond was appealing to me. Having the ability to learn and perform new dances every year is great and something I cherish.

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!

Erma Bele-Pinto

My family and I moved to Boston in 1995 when I was 11 years old, and at that time Boston had very few Albanians compared to now. In 1996 Bashkim Braho created the current Bashkimi Dance Group, and an 11 years old little girl from Fieri, with ancestors from Gjakova, Konispoli, Berati dhe Korca was inspired to dance "Valle". I remember watching the group perform at different events and being at awe. When I saw the group perform Vallen "Nena Shqiperi" that is when I truly fell in love with the Albanian dance and its culture. I remember having goose bumps and a desire to join in the dance on stage. Then in 2001 a wonderful friend of mine, more like a sister, Suela, asked me to join the group, and I did. From then on it was history. The group has been a part of my life since I was 16 years old, Bashkimi has been like a father and all the members, which are from all different regions of Albania, like brothers and sisters. Bashkimi Dance is a family that loves to dance and interpret the Albanian ways thru it. I love to dance, but I love to dance even more because of the wonderful people that make up this group. I now am a mother of two beautiful kids, and continue to dance with this group, and I hope to do so until maybe on day my own daughter or son retires me :) God Bless Bashkimi Dance and all its past and present members!

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.

Ida Rapaj

Albanian folk dance has always been my passion since I was a little girl. I have lived in the US for ten years now and as years go by I realize how much pride I take in our traditions and dances. Bashkimi Dance gives me the opportunity to still feel connected to the Albanian culture and makes me appreciate even more the diversified and artistic values of Albanian Folklore. Being part of the group is a wonderful experience and makes me so proud of my Albanian heritage.

Kristel Kane

My brother had been with the dance group for a while and seeing how active he was and all the activities of the group, I started getting interested in joining. The dance group gives me an opportunity to get together with a bunch of people who enjoy performing and have a good time together.

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.

Rezi Memeli

Was introduced to the group through a friend of mine that was a member. After having the opportunity to see what this group did every week I was hooked. Love to dance and now I have the opportunity to do so. Being able to perform Albanian Folk dances is something that I love doing.

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.