Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

The Qualla Boundary

• Capital: Cherokee

• Languages: English, Cherokee

• Location: Western North Carolina

• Religion: Christianity, traditional tribal religion

Compared to N.C. 

• Population: about 625X as small

• Size: about 653X as small

Folkmoot is again joined by representatives of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, many of whom still inhabit ancestral lands on the Qualla Boundary just a few miles west of Haywood County. Always a fan favorite, the Cherokee are used to thrilling Folkmoot crowds with traditional dance, drum, chants and screams. Not to be missed. 

Kasava

Czech Republic

• Capital: Prague

• Language: Czech

• Location: Eastern Europe

• Religion: undeclared/none, Catholicism

Compared to N.C. 

• Population: about the same

• Size: three-fifths as large

Founded in and named after a village in northern Czech Republic, Kasava has been combining drama, dance and music to the delight of international audiences since 1971. With a special focus on the country’s eastern region of Wallachia, Kasava promises a lively performance that includes a 230-pound dulcimer. 

Ghana

• Capital: Accra

• Languages: Akan, Hausa, many others

• Location: Western Africa

• Religion: Christianity, Islam

Compared to N.C. 

• Population: almost 3X as large

• Size: almost twice as large

Affiliated with both the Centre For National Culture and the Ghana Dance Association, the Nkrabea Dance Ensemble began in Nkrabea, Ghana, in 1995 and strives to portray an African celebration by incorporating drumming, folk music and fire eating. 

Le Ragazze Italiane

Italy

• Capital: Rome

• Language: Italian

• Location: Southern Europe

• Religion: Catholicism

Compared to N.C. 

• Population: almost 6X as large

• Size: more than twice as large

Although hailing from Canada, Le Ragazze brings the quintessential Italian experience to thousands across the world each year, including their home base of Winnipeg, which is also home to Folklorama — the biggest, oldest (48 years) multicultural festival in the world.

“Fiesta Mexicana” Ballet Folklorico de Monterrey

Mexico

• Capital: Mexico City

• Language: Spanish

• Location: North America

• Religion: Catholicism

Compared to N.C. 

• Population: more than 10X as large

• Size: about 15X as large

Since its inception 31 years ago in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, Fiesta Mexicana has remained a ballet company that utilizes a variety of styles and sensibilities to tell the story of all 31 Mexican states, while maintaining the authenticity of both ancient and modern Mexican cultural influences.

Kyrenia Youth Center Association

Turkish Cyprus

• Capital: North Nicosia

• Language: Turkish

• Location: Eastern Mediterranean 

• Religion: Islam

Compared to N.C. 

• Population: about one twenty-fifth

• Size: less than one twenty-fifth

Created with the specific mission to promote the culture, folklore and traditions of Northern Cyprus, the Kyrenia Youth Center Association consists of almost 30 dancers known for their high-energy performances in locations as varied as Switzerland, South Korea and Tunisia. 

Jamaica 

• Capital: Kingston

• Language: English patois

• Location: Caribbean

• Religion: Christianity

Compared to N.C. 

• Population: less than a third as large

• Size: about two-fifths as large

The most unique attraction at the festival this year very well may be a small group of Jamaican academics currently in residence at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. These educators incorporate song, dance and poetry into their classrooms, but also explore the use of dance in mathematics and literature. 

Lampang Kalayanee School

Thailand

• Capital: Bangkok

• Language: Thai

• Location: Southeast Asia

• Religion: Buddhism

Compared to N.C. 

• Population: almost 4X as large

• Size: almost 7X as large

One of the largest and best-known schools in Northern Thailand, the Lampang Kalayanee School has more than 3,600 students — many of whom are there because of the school’s reputation as having one of the most notable Thai dance programs in the country. Performers have participated in international festivals across the world.

Sentir Venezolano

Venezuela

• Capital: Caracas

• Language: Spanish

• Location: South America

• Religion: Catholicism

Compared to N.C. 

• Population: more than 3X as large

• Size: about 7X as large

This traditional troupe established in 2003 under the tutelage of Judith Perez, formerly a Venezuelan National Dance Company featured dancer and student at the prestigious Fundacion Biggott in Caracas, promises elaborate costumery, energetic dances and live percussion reflective of its diverse Afro-Latino cast.