On 25 November the BG Rhythm club was the venue where Bulgarian folklore, dancing and singing brought together all generations to experience the magic of the Horo dances of Bulgaria. Author of the project is Lyudmil Makaronski. He is artistic director and choreographer of the Geratsi professional dance formation and dance club. His entire life has been dedicated to Bulgarian folklore. Lyudmil graduated the first class Assen Pavlov tutored at the National School of Dance Art and then went on to study choreography and art management at the Academy of Music in Plovdiv.  
His career is connected with two folklore ensembles - Chinari and Trakia. He has danced in Neshka Robeva’s dance company where he was also involved in creating the choreography. Guest choreographer on Friday night was Anton Andonov, lecturer and head of the choreography department at the Plovdiv Music Academy. He is also ballet soloist and ballet master of Trakia ensemble.  
 
Here is Katya Vassileva one of the organizers of the Horo dances of Bulgaria with more about the project:

“It is a project in which the audience are able to join in the music and dance tradition and authentic Bulgarian folklore from all ethnographic regions. Anyone wishing to get a sense of the magic of Bulgarian horo dancing can join in the Horo dances of Bulgaria. On different nights we present the diversity of Bulgarian folklore dance traditions. The highlight on 25 November were the avasi bagpipes from the Pirin ethnographic region, the kalgamash horo from Strandja and the glavnishka kopanitsa from Thrace.”

The folklore lessons will always be to the accompaniment of live music by Geratsi ensemble. The Horo dances of Bulgaria will take place every month with the idea of organizing thematic evenings to acquaint and involve different people in Bulgarian music and dance traditions. Folk dancing is an exciting pastime for the people dancing, but also for those watching, because these dances are more than mere movement, they each convey a story. What makes Bulgarian folk dances unique is the passion and the emotions they evoke. But can anyone join in?

“Yes, absolutely, anyone wishing to come in contact with the magic of Bulgarian folklore and learn the steps can join in the Horo dances of Bulgaria. This is the reason why we invited one of the top choreographers and professionals in Bulgaria, so as to be able to offer the best dancing lessons available.”

More and more young people have been displaying an interest in folklore. This is the reason why Geratsi ensemble has been working on a joint project with the Valentinov sisters called Surva!, comprising songs, dances and customs connected with a tradition that is on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list – kukeri (mummers).

“Our project includes genuine heirs to the graovo folklore tradition, bringing in the survakari (a New Year custom when well-wishers go from house to house) into the professional choreography of the Geratsi and the original music score by Iva and Eva Valentinov. Our aim is to show up the old traditions as they are perceived by our young team of professional dancers and musicians. Besides dances and melodies connected with old rituals, we also present some folklore symbols that are all but forgotten. The highlight in the programme is the graovo folklore tradition because we believe that interpreting Bulgaria’s traditions, musical ideas, family legends is our forte.”

A great many people came on Horo dances of Bulgaria night to join in the dancing. How difficult are the Bulgarian horo dances? Here is Svetoslav Ivanov with the answer and with the story of his own passion for dancing:

“I am currently a member of the Balkan dance ensemble. I joined it with the help of my mother, she used to dance with them, so I decided to try. What makes Bulgarian folklore dances so difficult is the music. The compound meters require movements that are very distinct and physically challenging. Folk dancing is no easy thing but it is so beautiful. There are a great many young people members of Balkan. At concerts I see mostly young people dancing. There are a lot of children as well and that is a wonderful thing.”

English version: Milena Daynova