Children's folklore group of the Association of Slovenians of the RS "Triglav" Banja Luka, on April 14, 2023, participated in the regional review of folklore groups in Šentjernej.
Šentjernej is a small municipality, located 17 km east of Novo Mesto, in the Republic of Slovenia. It has one of the most promising economic zones in that part of Slovenia and a modern and functional Cultural Center "Primož Trubar", which traditionally hosts shows of folklore groups from southeastern Slovenia. So, this year, our association, i.e. children's folklore group, responded to the invitation to participate in the event called "Only one kind word is enough", which was organized by the Public Institute for Cultural Activities from Novo Mesto, led by Mrs. Klaudija Kotar.
Our rejuvenated folklore group of 18 players, performed the choreography "A combination of Gorenjska dances" authored by Tomaž Simetinger, PhD, while the author of the background music is Sašo Zver. For most of the members, this was their first performance at a folklore show, and right away on the real stage in front of a full hall of visitors. They successfully overcame the baptism of fire and received strong applause and sympathy from the local audience. The event ended with the presentation of awards and a joint lunch of the participants.
The day before, on April 13, the folklorists arrived in Novo Mesto and, as planned, in the afternoon hours, at the "Janez Trdina" Cultural Center, they had rehearsal with Tomaž Simetinger, PhD, the author of the current choreography they are performing. The exercises carried out were of great importance for the group and the preparation for the performance, and they were realized as part of the cooperation and support of the Association for the Development of Voluntary Work from Novo Mesto. As part of the visit, young folklorists from Banja Luka and Slatina had the opportunity to get acquainted with the main sights of the old city center of Novo Mesto, but also to visit the agricultural estate of the Grm Biotechnical High School, where they got to know their way of working and the possibilities of acquiring knowledge for their students.
The trip was spent in a good mood and pleasant company, which will remain a fond memory for everyone, with plans to present ourselves again at folklore shows in Slovenia.
Mladen Lunić
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3euAoqkdFk
