Orphika 2025: Folk Dance
The AMA Folk event celebrated social interaction and cultural sharing.
AMA Folk stands for “loving folk and, at the same time, Ançã Folk Music Academy”. The association participated in the University of Coimbra’s Orphika Music Cycle with its Folk Dance. The concept is simple: a traditional, participatory dance that celebrates both music and movement. Featuring traditional Portuguese and European music, the aim is to get the audience dancing. As part of the 7th Orphika Music Cycle, the Folk Dance also offered a different way of presenting “an intense universe of emotions”. Dulce Cruz views the entire programme with “deep admiration for the opportunities it gives groups to showcase something different”.
“Folk festivals are being held all over the country, engaging the public strongly,” says Dulce Cruz. That is why Folk Dance sought to “embrace our roots and get everyone dancing to their own music”. With its own arrangements and dance repertoire, the performance was a hit.
Seven performers took to the stage, with dance instructors spread across the floor and around 60 members of the Coro das Mulheres da Fábrica. Before the event began, expectations were high, with hopes that everyone would enjoy themselves and that it would be a true celebration. And so it was.
The event took place on 30 November and featured performances by the Coro das Mulheres da Fábrica and violinist Fernando Meireles.
The Folk Dance revealed “an intense universe of emotions” at the 7th Orphika Music Cycle.
Check the full programme of the 7th edition of the Orphika Music Cycle at https://www.uc.pt/cultura/orphika/.