Would you manage to follow the rhythm of the Bulgarian Dancing?
The day is January 1st exactly at midnight. The central squares are filled with exalted people. The new year has just arrived. People hug and kiss to congratulate each other on the good occasion. At this moment, the melody of the "Danube Horo", known by all Bulgarians, is sounds from large loudspeakers.
Friends and strangers hold hands, forming a long and curved chain, and begin to play a choreography that is a folk dance or the so-called "horo"*. At the front stands a more experienced dancer, who determined the shape of the horo - whether it should be open or closed, intertwined or untangled. The song ends, but the next one begins right after, again familiar to everyone, and with it, the next choreography starts. And so, until the last enthusiast is tired.
“Horo” is one of the most loved and followed traditions on New Year's Eve. Apart from the squares, people dance it in restaurants, pubs, and in their homes, depending on where they are celebrating New Year’s Eve.
The Bulgarian folklore horo is, of course, not only danced on New Year's Day.
Bulgarians dance it with and without occasion. These choreographies are easy to catch up with by all people, regardless of age and abilities. The movements are from left to right, sometimes there are temporary stops, returns to the left, and a step forward or backward.
Source: Canva
The variety of choreographies - for beginners and advanced - depends on the region in which the dance was first created and further developed.
The traditions of the Bulgarian dance have been formed over the centuries. Various documents, paintings, and texts prove that from the early years of the Middle Ages, young people entertained themselves by dancing.
Like other Balkan nations, economic development has always been reflected in the way of life, customs, and traditions. Obviously in art too. In Bulgarian folk dances, as well as in the songs on which they are played, the everyday activities of the people are reflected: harvesting, mowing, digging, etc.
During their development, the horo enriched themselves in terms of subject matter, rhythm, and variety of steps and movements. Today, there are professional ensembles that give concerts not only in the country but also at international forums and performances.
Hundreds of folk dance studios have been established all over the country. People of all ages can visit them, learn the most traditional "horo” or practice more complex, even create new choreographies.
The Bulgarian "horo” is even part of the educational program of some profiled schools.
Today, more and more Bulgarians are looking for educational and professional fulfillment outside the country, due to various economic and demographic reasons. Despite the large emigration, many of them preserve their roots and love for their homeland, visiting Bulgarian clubs where traditional Bulgarian dances are performed.
*The origin of word "horo" comes from the Latin word chorus - a unity (horo) of dancers and musicians, and from the Greek word choros - dance leader, game leader - a dance that was played in Ancient Greece in honor of the muse of the chorus and dance – Terpsihora (Terpsihòra), who admires the dance.
Reneta, OLS Community Manager – Bulgarian