Organized under the slogan “All colors of Turkey, come together”, the Folk Dances of Turkey Competition has attracted applications from around 40 ensembles this year. Upon completion of the application process the screening competitions were held in 5 different provinces, namely Ankara, Gaziantep, Istanbul, Izmir and Ordu.

Held annually since 1994 through the cooperation of Sabanci Foundation and Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the finals and award ceremony of the 19th Folk Dances of Turkey Competition took place on May 17, 2011 at the Sabanci University Performing Arts Center with the attendance of Ministry of Culture and Tourism Deputy Secretary Ozgur Ozaslan, Chairman of the Sabanci Foundation Board of Trustees Guler Sabanci, General Manager Husnu Pacacioglu and other distinguished guests.

The 5 ensembles that competed on the night of the finals staged an unforgettable spectacle of regional dances. As in previous years, the best folk dances ensembles of Turkey were voted off through the assessment of a jury of 10 while the dancers strived to perform their best on stage.

Speaking at the ceremony Guler Sabanci, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Sabanci Foundation said, “For the last 19 years we have been supporting our youth who embrace their cultural roots and sowing the seeds that will introduce our cultural legacy to the world. Folk dances are a most eloquent reflection of our culture, common sentiments and thoughts. Dancing side by side, hand in hand teaches everyone to act in unity, to share, and to express themselves”.

The audience and finalists enjoyed the performance by Ozgen Akcagul & Blue Note Orchestra who played exquisite examples of world music during the finals.