BULGARIAN DANCES
INTRODUCTION & ADVANCED WORKSHOP
OBJECTIVES
This master class aims to provide either an introduction to or an opportunity to deepen one’s practice of Bulgarian dances, renowned for their richness and diversity. Like all traditional dances, those of Bulgaria are deeply connected to the music that animates them, with rhythm being a key component. Maya Mihneva, a professional dancer and experienced teacher, will guide participants through the learning process by placing each dance within its historical and cultural context.
To strengthen the intrinsic link between dance and music, a final public performance is scheduled at the end of the master class. This will take the form of an open dance event accompanied by the Bulgarian music ensemble Sabazii(clarinet, gaida, saxophone, guitar, percussion).
GENERAL CONTENT
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Body preparation: breathing control, relaxation and readiness, vertical and horizontal alignment, grounding, inner listening, focus, and energy.
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Technical work: posture, support points, balance, and the specific features of each dance covered.
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Learning through immersion and observation: understanding style – including group dances, circle and line dances, and improvisational forms – with both even and uneven rhythms.
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Introduction to expression and interpretation: working on dance expression through a blend of technical precision and artistic identity, immediate perception, self-awareness, connection to others, exploration of sensations and imagination – all in service of the performance.
To conclude the master class, on Friday, July 4th, musician Emmanuel Frin, a specialist in Bulgarian music and the gaida (Bulgarian bagpipe) in France, will accompany the dancers. This experience will highlight the strong bond between movement and music, as dance has its own musicality, yet music enhances the dance.
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
The master class is open to both beginners and experienced dancers.