About us
The folk dance group “Viti Gaitani” – Montreal began its existence in November 2015 under the leadership of the young and ambitious Bilyana Hristova. The purpose of the group’s creation is to study Bulgarian folk dances and customs from different regions of Bulgaria, as well as to preserve the Bulgarian spirit and traditions, to educate children, adolescents and young people living in the territory of Montreal, Canada, in love and affection for Bulgaria.
In the beginning, the group worked on a voluntary basis, mainly within the Bulgarian community, centered in the Bulgarian Church "Ivan Rilski" in Montreal. In the church, the group managed to find a place for rehearsals, performances and an opportunity for young and old to socialize.
The group registered as a non-profit legal entity in early December 2019, when interest in the group grew and the need for funds increased.
“Viti Gaitani” started with 13 children aged 4 to 13, but today it is performed by over 60 children aged 4 to 18 as well as 25 adults. At the beginning, the group met once a week, but after an increase in those wishing to participate and with the development of the children, the group met twice a week or more in cases of preparation for participation.
The group participates in events of the Bulgarian community in Montreal, as well as in various festivals in North America - Chicago, Tampa, Vancouver, Ottawa, Niagara. At the end of each creative season, a mini-concert performance is prepared under the title "Let's preserve the Bulgarian".
Our children can perform over 40 dances and songs from different folklore regions. The goal is for each dance to be presented accurately and authentically with the corresponding folk costume. Each dance costume represents a different region in Bulgaria and there are seven different ethnic regions.
On November 1, 2025, the "Viti Gaitani" Folk Dance Group celebrates 10 years since its establishment.
The club is mainly supported by donations and small fees from the children's parents. The funds raised are used to cover expenses such as renting rehearsal rooms, purchasing folklore costumes, shoes, accessories, decorations, and advertising.
As the group and its performances grow, so does the interest in Bulgarian culture and dance. People of different nationalities are showing interest and desire to learn more about Bulgarian culture, to attend our performances and even to learn to dance.
Over the years, the group has gone through various difficulties and challenges, but we are all proud of what we have achieved so far!
