The Bulgarian government has partnered with Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, to introduce Bulgarian folklore dances to Nigerian students.
This initiative aims to promote cross-cultural understanding and bolster creative industries in both nations.
In a statement released by the Bulgarian Embassy in Abuja on Saturday, the embassy noted the growing partnership between Bulgaria and OAU, which has strengthened significantly over the past two years. The collaboration culminated in financial grants to facilitate dance classes at the university.
“This is a project that Bulgaria and the university have been working on for several months. Its initial framework was set up by the successful celebration of Bulgarian Day in May 2024 in Ile-Ife,” the embassy explained.
During the teaching sessions, over 25 students — predominantly from OAU’s Faculty of Arts, including the Departments of Dramatic Arts and Music — participated in learning these unique dances.
The Bulgarian Embassy highlighted the cultural parallels between the two nations, noting, “Folklore dances are a specific dancing technique that is characteristic of Bulgaria and similar to some Nigerian traditions and customs.”
This initiative forms part of renewed bilateral cooperation, with the embassy underscoring the broader goal of fostering cultural exchange and creative growth, “It is aimed at developing cultural ties between the two countries with the most visible prospects in the creative industries development.”
