ESTONIA

Estonian Dance Ensemble “SÕLEKE”

The Estonian Dance Ensemble "Sõleke" is the largest folk dance group for children and young people in Estonia. Established in 1976 and based at the Tallinn Hobby Centre "Kullo," it features a massive network of over 250 members spanning ages 4 to 40

While the ensemble trains dancers in a variety of styles, Estonian folk dance is the primary focus of the group. Their performances celebrate Estonian culture, heritage, and history through precise, vibrant choreography and traditional costumes.

Functioning as both a dance company and an educational school, Sõleke develops performers across multiple age brackets. Over its multi-decade history, it has served as a launchpad for dozens of professional dancers, choreographers, directors, and dance educators.

SRI LANKA

Thunhela Folk Group

The Thunhela Folk Team (also known as the Thunhela Jana Gee Kalliya) is a highly acclaimed Sri Lankan traditional music and dance ensemble. They are celebrated for preserving, performing, and showcasing authentic Sri Lankan cultural arts on both domestic and international stages.

They specialize in traditional Sri Lankan folk songs (Jana Gee), indigenous instrumentation, and classical dance forms rooted in the island's heritage.

They have been prominently featured on Sri Lankan television networks, including ITN (Independent Television Network), helping to educate the public on ancestral rural music.

MALAYSIA

Malaysia Arts School of Sabah

The group is from a specialised public arts secondary school under the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM). Located in Sandakan, Sabah, it nurtures young artistic talent alongside standard academic curricula. It is one of only a few dedicated national art schools across Malaysia.

The institution is designed to act as a cultural incubator, developing young talents into professional artists, cultural ambassadors, and future leaders of the creative industries in Malaysia.

The school hosts annual major showcases, such as the Konsert Kemilau Anak Seni, to highlight student productions.

POLAND

Folkloristic Group "Wielkopolanie"

The Folkloristic Group "Wielkopolanie" is a renowned Polish ensemble founded in 1962 in Poznań. They specialize in cultivating the vibrant musical, vocal, and dance traditions of the Greater Poland (Wielkopolska) region, while also performing Polish national dances and regional programs.

They preserve the unique folklore of Wielkopolska subregions like Szamotuły and Biskupizna, as well as Bambry (former German settlers in Poznań).Their expansive repertoire includes Poland’s national dances: the Polonaise, Mazur, Krakowiak, Oberek, and Kujawiak.

Their performances feature traditional regional instruments, including dudy (Wielkopolska bagpipes), kozioł (wedding goat), and maryna. The ensemble has traveled to 67 countries across five continents, participating in major events like the EXPO.

Alongside concerts, they are heavily engaged in cultural education. They host school programs and the "Forge of Tradition" workshops to teach youth regional customs, dialects, and traditional folk instruments.

SRI LANKA

Vinyasaa Academy of Fine Arts

The Group was initiated in 2010 with twelve talented young artists; most of them are undergraduates of national universities of Sri Lanka following their Bachelors Degree in Performing Arts. Today, the ensemble has more than 300 members belongs to different age groups.

The academy focuses on helping Sri Lankan youth channel their creativity, master traditional and contemporary dance forms, and participate in international cultural exchange programs.

BULGARIA

Dance & Art Company SOFISTIK-JIVO

Dance & Art Company SOFISTIK-JIVO is a distinguished cultural ensemble based in Sofia, Bulgaria. Established in 2009 through the merger of Ballet SOFISTIK and the JIVO Music & Dance Formation, the company has become one of Bulgaria's leading performing arts organizations under the artistic direction of Elina Topalska and Nikoleta Ilcheva. Dedicated to promoting cultural understanding through the universal language of dance, SOFISTIK-JIVO combines tradition with innovation. The company actively participates in cultural exchange initiatives and represents Bulgaria at national and international festivals, building friendships and strengthening connections between diverse cultures.

Its versatile repertoire includes Bulgarian folklore, contemporary dance, modern ballet, K-pop, street dance, and dances from around the world. Welcoming performers of all ages, the company continues to inspire audiences through artistic excellence, creativity, and a strong commitment to preserving and celebrating cultural heritage.

INDIA

Dynamic Flickers Dance Academy

The Dynamic Flickers Dance Academy (DFD), based in Ranipool, Gangtok, Sikkim, is a renowned dance academy led by choreographers Passang Sherpa and Dilu Tamang. The academy is recognized for its energetic performances, innovative choreography, and achievements, including winning the prestigious Golden Feet Dance Competition. DFD Academy is known for blending contemporary dance with the rich folk traditions of Sikkim and Nepal. The group regularly performs at major cultural events such as Sikkim Utsav, Madhavpur Mela, and Statehood celebrations, while also participating in social awareness campaigns through creative dance performances.

The academy trains dancers of all age groups through junior and senior programs, offering instruction in multiple dance styles. Through workshops, Summer Dance Camps, and fitness programs, DFD continues to nurture young talent while promoting the cultural heritage of Sikkim on regional and national platforms.