We share Bulgarian culture with the world
Every year Zora takes an active part in gatherings, festivals and cultural events across the Netherlands and Europe, showing the richness and beauty of Bulgarian culture and folklore.
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About us
Dance is a bridge between people
Founded in 2017, Zora has grown from 13 dancers into a family of more than 50 — of every age, level, and nationality. Today we are the largest Bulgarian dance club in the Netherlands.
Club Zora was created in 2017 in The Hague, with a mission to preserve and share Bulgarian folklore with our community in the Netherlands.
We believe that dance is a bridge between people — it connects us, inspires us, and reminds us where we come from.
We work with a professional choreographer and assistant leaders who choose dances from Bulgaria's folklore regions — Shopluk, Thrace, the North, the Rhodopes, and Pirin. We dance the popular horo known from village squares and celebrations, and revive authentic local dances preserved across the country.
Artistic director
Esther Willems
Zora's artistic director
Esther Willems — in her own words, “Dutch by birth and Bulgarian at heart” — has devoted more than four decades to Bulgarian dance, education and cultural exchange. Since 2018 she has been the choreographer and artistic director of the “Zora” folk-dance club in The Hague.
Her love of Bulgarian folklore began during her training in international folk dance and her time as a dancer in the semi-professional ensemble “Praznik” in Rotterdam, led by Eddy Tijssen. In 1988 Esther founded Stichting Dans in Cultuur and created the children's ensemble “Zarove”, followed by the youth ensemble “Mladost”. Both companies performed internationally and helped develop cultural exchange with Bulgarian dance groups.
In her professional development Esther studied with Prof. Nikolay Tsvetkov and Prof. Georgi Garov, as well as many respected specialists, among them Iliana Bozhanova, Ivan Gavrailov, Dimitar Doychinov, Lachezar Zahariev, Prof. Andon Andonov, Dr. Dilyana Kurdova, Dr. Daniela Nyberg, Vesela Gencheva and Toncho Kisyov. In 2021 she graduated with honours with a bachelor's degree in Bulgarian dance and choreography from the South-West University in Blagoevgrad, under Dr. Georgi Garov and Prof. Nikolay Tsvetkov.
For her contribution to the development and promotion of Bulgarian dance, she was honoured by the Bulgarian Ministry of Culture in 2006 and 2014.
In her teaching, Esther combines joy, musicality and body awareness — but above all she puts feeling first, because, as she says herself: “A dance without feeling is not a dance.”
Esther teaches fluently in Bulgarian and, depending on the audience, also in Dutch and English.
Mission & values
- Preserve and share Bulgarian traditions far from home.
- Bring the Bulgarian community in The Hague and the region together through events and initiatives.
- Accessibility — dance is for everyone, whatever your age or experience.
- The joy of movement — we dance to recharge, not to compete.
- Friendship and support — we build a community, not just a group.
- Show the beauty of Bulgarian folklore — at festivals, city events, private celebrations, and workshops.
What we do
Dance teaches and inspires us
Zora also organises many cultural events of its own. Among them are the annual dance seminars with established Bulgarian choreographers and folklore researchers, giving participants the chance to develop their skills and learn more about traditional Bulgarian dance, music and customs.
We celebrate together
Our Vecherinki are especially loved — celebrations with open dancing, full of music, dance, games, special guests, high spirits and laughter. They bring together people of different generations and dance groups, creating space for connection, sharing and joy through dance.
Bridges between cultures
Zora also runs cultural-exchange initiatives where Bulgarian traditions and dances meet the culture and folklore of other peoples. We believe dance is a universal language that connects people, overcomes differences and builds bridges between cultures.
Your special moments with Zora
Zora is part of people's special personal moments too — weddings, christenings, birthdays and other celebrations. If you'd like to give an unforgettable gift or add something special to your event, our performance group brings dance, emotion and a wonderful atmosphere.
Enquire about hiring the groupYour first step
Come dance with us
Curious? Your first rehearsal is free. Bring comfortable clothes and soft-soled shoes — we'll take care of the rest. Have a special celebration? Treat yourself and hire Zora for an unforgettable atmosphere.
Send us a message
New season starts 11 September