I recently had the honor of being interviewed by Euronews Albania to share something that means the world to me: keeping Albanian culture alive beyond our borders. As an American Albanian, I carry my heritage wherever I go, and I do my best to spread our traditions through dance and music.
Even when we leave our motherland, Mother Albania remains in our hearts. It’s in the way we celebrate, the way we gather, and the way we pass on our culture to the next generation.
In this video, I performed the traditional dance Valle e Rugovës on top of an abandoned lighthouse on the island of Curitiba, Puerto Rico — a unique and powerful setting to showcase the strength of our traditions.
Valle e Rugovës (The Rugova Dance) is one of the most well-known dances from the Rugova region in western Kosovo. It is characterized by strong, energetic steps and a proud, upright posture — a reflection of the resilience and spirit of the Albanian people. Traditionally, the dance is performed in a circle, symbolizing unity, continuity, and community.
This dance has been carried through generations, often performed at weddings, festivals, and cultural gatherings. Its rhythm and movements embody both the struggles and the joy of Albanian life, making it one of the most treasured parts of our folk heritage.
Dancing Valle e Rugovës on that lighthouse was more than just a performance — it was a statement. It was proof that no matter how far Albanians are scattered across the globe, we never forget where we come from. We honor our past while creating new ways to share our culture with the world.
I am proud to be part of this effort and grateful to Euronews Albania for giving me a platform to speak about it.
May our dances, our songs, and our traditions continue to echo wherever Albanians call home.