Workshops, during which you will have the opportunity to learn horo, the most popular Bulgarian Folk Dance. It is a group dance, danced in a closed circle or in a pageant - the so-called horo cast. The classes will be led by Bożena Kirkov.
Hora is an extremely rich and diverse dance in terms of style, character, rhythm and pace. Sure the movements are mainly concentrated in the legs however each horo requires its own body posture, hand movements, and particular expressions.
Hora is traditionally danced during family and national holidays, during traditional seasonal rituals, and historically before battle. Despite the dances historical importance they remain very popular today. Bulgarian outdoor dances are organized in many cities of Bulgaria, regardless of the season or weather.
The lasting popularity of these dances is probably due to their beneficial effects on health, physical condition and coordination. In addition, they give the opportunity to express emotions, leading to a general improvement in well-being. Common dance also social thing and helps to build relationships.
During the meeting, dances and traditional costumes from various regions of Bulgaria will be presented. Also a few selected dance rituals will be shown, one of which was entered in 2009 into the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. But the core aspect of the session will be through learning steps and common dance.
Bożena Kirkov - born in a mixed Polish-Bulgarian family. She spent a large part of her childhood in Sofia, Bulgaria. She is fascinated by dance, traditional singing and old Bulgarian beliefs. She regularly visits Bulgaria in search of his identity and roots. In love with the Pirin Mountains. She became passionate about horo during one of her stays in Bulgaria. She is a graduate of the Music Academy in Katowice, in the violin and also has a degree in Automation and Robotics at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Currently a PhD student at the Faculty of Computer Science, Electronics and Telecommunications of the AGH in Kraków.
