Masters Kiliç-Kalkan Dance Group

Masters Kiliç-Kalkan Dance Group
(Republic of Türkiye)

Farouk Alkai, Director of the Ensemble.

Ustalar Kiliç-Kalkan is a master of sword and shield dancing from Turkish. Kalkan is a traditional folk dance that involves sword and shield waving movements.

The dance is believed to have originated among the Ottoman soldiers during the conquest of the ancient Byzantine city of Bursa in 1326. During their dancing, the soldiers exhibited a variety of battlefield patterns by waving and striking their swords and shields, thereby intimidating the adversary and invigorating the troops. A manifestation of bravery and courage, the dance has been preserved as a military tradition until the present day.

Masters Kiliç-Kalkan Dance Group aren’t just high-end professionals, they are really into this folk dance. Like guardians, they’ve been upholding and keeping the kalkan tradition alive by passing down all the nuances through generations. Although performed with symbolic swords and shields, the folk dance is not about war. Its choreography focuses on brotherhood and harmony reminding the audiences that we should be having fun, not fighting.

The dancers wear traditional attire with authentic patterns, and their swords and shields are made of toughened steel. Men dominate the dance. At least a quarter of a century of performing kalkan-kiliç is required to join the group.

The ensemble has performed in more than 150 countries across all five continents, showcasing the glorious traditions of Turkey and Bursa. Furthermore, the group is renowned for winning some of the most prestigious international festivals. Their accomplishments include performing for such distinguished guests as Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II, Princess Grace of Monaco, Prince Rainier III of Monaco, and others.
Farouk Alkai, the ensemble’s leader, has been practicing traditional sword dances for over 50 years. In 1968, he founded the International Association for Folk Festivals.