The Uniqueness of Bulgarian Folk Dances

 

Bulgarian folk dances display complex choreography. They have been created over the course of centuries and have been improved and refined. The group dances are either in a circle, or in a line usually twisting to the right.

Bulgarian traditional folk dances are characterized by unsurpassed variety and wealth of movements, steps, jumps and twists, combined with even more complex rhythm and intonation. The original beat, especially the uneven, swift changes of short and long steps contribute to the exceptionally strong impression that Bulgarian horo (dance) have on the spectators. Here, I would like to give you an example of a dance from Pirin region, my region, the name of the horo is “Djangurica”



The steps and movements of the Bulgarian traditional dances are most frequently an imitation of the movements that people have observed in nature and surrounding world. These steps are often unique, jumps or the postures of different animals, as is evident from the names of some of the dances Mecheshko horo (Bear’s horo), Zaeshka igra (the Rabbit game), Matsino horo (the Cat’s horo), Katsnal brambar (Bug on a blade of grass). Other movements and gestures that imitate work are based on everyday chores. The most typical Bulgarian folk dances are Pravo horo (the Straight horo), Paidushko horo, and Ruchenitsa.

Instrumental music in the Bulgarian traditional dances has a specific aim – to create a suitable background for the horo on Sundays and holidays, danced on the village square. The ancient traditional Bulgarian musical instruments are rebecks, mandolins, kavals, bagpipes, shepherd’s flutes. People from different regions of the country prefer different instruments and characteristics for the respective regions dances.

Based on the character of the musical folklore, Bulgaria can be divided into several districts Thracian, Rhodope, Pirin, Middle Western Bulgaria, Dobrudja, Northeastern, and Northwestern Bulgaria.