The Albanian Dance Group Bashkimi

The dance group was founded in 1996. Here are the dancers and their words of wisdom!

Aida Jovani

During the time I have been in the United States, the dancing group has ben the only real connection between me and my home country. I feel very special that i have the chance to wear the tradicional costumes and dance this beautiful dances.

Donald Braho

Albanian dance has always been my passion. I started dancing at an early age and I have had the honor to perform dances from different regions of Albania. The dance group "Bashkimi" was found to show Albanian culture, traditions and folklore to the world as well as to the Albanian youth; so Albanian dance and folklore gets passed on to another generation of Albanians. Much credit should be given to the choreographer and to these dancers who volunteer their time to make all of the above happen.

Eglantina Malaj

I joined the Dance Group Bashkimi shortly after seeing one of their beautiful dances. I was interested in participating to preserve our culture and heritage. I am thankful to all of the other group members for being a part of this and especially our Professor/Choreographer and his son for their hard work and dedication.

Erida Lice

My name Is Erida. I joined "Bashkimi Dance" group in 2004 and ever since, I've enjoyed everything the group has to offer; the friendly atmosphere, the fun we have and especially the great experience of being part of a show like that in June. Dancing to the Albanian folk tunes is more than I thought it would be; the rich, festive and sometimes very complicated choreographies make me proud to be an Albanian.

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."

Guljed Birce

You may be asking why I am in this group, well I tell you what. We all either work, or study, or do both during the duration of a week. On the weekend, if we are lucky and free, we look for a place to which we can escape for relaxation. While some people may find freedom and relaxation in bars, clubs etc (by the way i enjoy them places too) I love to stretch my legs on the dance floor. For now dancing for Bashkimi Dance Group is the only thing that gives me freedom and makes me truly happy.

Hemida Cerma

My name is Dea and I have been part of Bashkimi dance since 2002. I have always enjoyed dancing and now I like it even more since I have joined the dance group. The shows we do make me proud because we get a chance to represent our beautiful culture.

Jurgen Lika

I like long walks on the beach, fluffy animals, and cuddling. You might have noticed that i'm wearing a Bush-Cheney shirt on my picture to my left, and you might be wondering to yourself, "why"? Well, that is because I, like the aformentioned, am a nationalist bordering fascist. We both enjoy hunting, oil, and demagogic leadership.

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.

Odeta Halilii

A year ago, I never thought I would be part of such wonderful dance group and perform in fantastic Albanian concerts. Since April I've been living in Boston, and this dance group has allowed me to stay in touch with my culture and traditions.

Suela Lika

I have always been a fan of Albanian folk music and dance. My first start as a member of this dance group was in 2001. It started more as a hobby, but very quickly it turned into pasion, love and appreciation for this part of the Albanian culture. I hope that the future will only bring more success for this group and more acknowledgment for the hard working dancers and of course the talented choreographer, Bashkim.