| PARTICIPANTS 2009 |
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Folk Dance Group of KUD “Uljanik” - Pula, Croatia The folk group “Uljanik” has been in existence since 1967 and currently has about 100 members. “Uljanik” is made up of five groups; among them is the unique Istrian band of traditional folk instruments and a mandolin orchestra. The folk ensemble preserves and presents attractive songs and dances from their native region and from other parts of Croatia. The group has won many prizes; among them are prizes for authentic music, vocal performances, and costumes.  
The Georgian Folk Dance and Songs Ensemble “Gurjaani”, which is connected with the Association of Culture Development and Renaissance of Georgia, was founded in 1961. It is one of the best creative ensemble in the country. The leader of the group is Paata Gurgenidze. During the group’s existence the ensemble has become a laureate of many international festivals, winning gold medals and first award diplomas. The ensemble has toured in different countries around the world, such as Greece, Spain, France, Netherlands, Germany, USA, etc. Their concerts have always met with much success and ovations from the audience.  Children and Youth Dance Ensemble “Seltinis” – Vilnius, Lithuania The children and youth dance ensemble “Seltinis” was established in 1981 at the Siauliai Didzdvaris School. This is one of the most popular dance ensembles in Lithuania. There are currently about 300 students between 7 and 19 years dancing. “Seltinis” ranks at the highest artistic level. Being very disciplined, dynamic and intellectual, the ensemble is known for its impressive achievements and its local and international awards. “Seltinis” was nominated as the best youth folk dance group in Lithuania in 2005. The folk dance lovers in Holland, Sweden, Denmark, France, Italy, Finland, UK, Latvia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Turkey, Portugal, and Spain have admired the ensemble’s lively, joyful, dynamic dances and performances. “Seltinis” uses only authentic Lithuanian national costumes, including clogs.
Rancho Folclórico do Centro Social e Cultural de Abragão – Portugal The group was established in early 1982 in the village of Abragao with the intention of creating an team able to preserve the area’s customs and traditions. It began by gathering clothes, ballads, music, dances, and dishes that show the way of life of their ancestors. Each element of the group personifies a figure from the past, each different from the others: suitor, Brazilian, pharmacist, cowherder, clerk, recorder… In the artistic repertoire of the group, they play different roles.At present, the group is part of in the Social and Cultural Centre of Abragão, which is a pubic institution pledging to improve of the living conditions of needy people and support their social and cultural aspect.The group organizes many cultural activities; among them is the annual Abragão folk festival. It is an international event. The group also participates in many concerts throughout the country and abroad.
  “Romanaţi” Folklore Ensemble – Caracal, Romania
Folk Dance Group “Račna” – Račna, Slovenia The folk dance group of Račna belongs to the Culture Association “France Prešeren“. It consists of 35 dancers from 16 to 50 years old. The group has two leaders – the older section is led by Olga Gruden and the youth section is led by Urška Berdajs. The group also includes a five-member music group playing the accordion, violin, contrabass, clarinet, and a special folk instrument called the bumbass. The group performs dances from different Slovenian regions: Upper and Lower Carniola, the coastal region, Styria, Prekmurje, and Bela Krajina. The group has taken part in folk festivals in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Austria, and Italy.  
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