A growing number of young people in Albania are fascinated by a centuries-old dance known as the k’cimi of Tropoja. UNESCO has even classified the dance as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage.

For decades, choreographer Skender Haklaj has been on a mission to pass on this traditional dance to younger generations. And he’s succeeding: More and more young people in Albania are learning the k’cimi of Tropoja.

Usually accompanied by drums, the k’cimi of Tropoja is performed in groups or by couples who never touch throughout. It symbolizes the flight of the eagles, strength and endurance.

But the k’cimi of Tropoja isn’t just becoming better known in Albania. In 2024, UNESCO added it to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.