Bulgarian Folk Dancing
and Singing
    in a workshop taught by 
Iliana Bozhanova
    with music by 
Todor Yankov

Iliana Bozhanova is a renowned and exceptionally talented dancer and teacher of Bulgarian dances.  She was born into a family of musicians and singers in Galabovo, in the South Thrace region of Bulgaria.  She has directed and choreographed for numerous folk dance and music companies since 1981, and is currently the choreographer and artistic director of Ensemble Voivodintsi, a highly successful company of about 130 adults and children in the village of Voivodinovo, near Plovdiv, Bulgaria.  She has taught at most of the major folk festivals of North America, Europe, and Asia, and her classes have always drawn enthusiastic crowds.  She also leads popular folk tours of Bulgaria, and has co-produced several music CD's.

Iliana's extensive accomplishments can be seen at her beautiful web site, www.ilianabozhanova.com.  Anyone who is interested in folklore should visit that site.

Todor Yankov (accordionist) grew up in a large family in the village of Dobralak in the Rhodopi Mountains of Bulgaria.  His father, Vasil Yankov, was a well-known gaida (bagpipe) player in the area.  Todor began playing gaida too, then took up the kaval (end-blown flute) at the age of 10, and taught himself the accordion at age 16.  He also became a wonderful singer.  He has played in many ensembles in Bulgaria over the years, and is now co-choreographer and accordionist for Ensemble Voivodintsi which he and Iliana founded.

This workshop will feature a number of easy dances as well as some harder ones.  Iliana and Todor will lead Bulgarian singing as part of each workshop session.  The opening session Friday evening will provide an ideal introduction.  No partner is necessary, and dress is casual.

Schedule and Prices

A workshop package is available for $45 which includes everything in the schedule except for the lunches.  Total cost for everything including the lunches is $55.  You may use the Registration Form to order the workshop package and/or lunches. Individual sessions, Saturday night dancing, and lunches may also be paid for at the door (see schedule for prices).  However, it is most strongly recommended that you do not skip any workshop sessions.  Except for Saturday evening, the learning sequence is progressive, and you will have great difficulty if you miss too much material.  The review session is for workshop attendees only, but other interested persons are invited to come and observe.

Locations

University United Methodist Church (Friday and Saturday):  6901 Washington Ave., University City, Missouri; on the northwest corner of Washington and Trinity south of the Lion Gates on Delmar — see Google Map or Yahoo! Map. (Note: Most streets in the area other than the main streets are not through.)  Parking is available in the church lot and on Trinity, but please do not park on the residential part of Washington.  Walk by the playground in front of the church, and enter by the door at the inner corner of the L-shaped building.

The Focal Point (Sunday):  2720 Sutton Blvd., Maplewood, Missouri; 1 1/2 blocks south of Manchester — see Google Map or Yahoo! Map.  Watch for one-way streets in the area.  Park on street.  Directions will also be available at the Saturday sessions.

Other Information

See our Registration Form for ordering workshop packages and meals in advance.

To hear examples of the type of dance music that will be featured at this workshop, tune in to Music from the Hills on Sundays from 4:00 to 6 p.m. on radio station KDHX, 88.1 FM in St. Louis, hosted by IFDA member John Uhlemann.  You can also listen online — see www.kdhx.org.

Joan Amsterdam of International Folk Rhythms, Ltd. will have a variety of ethnic recordings, books, clothing and accessories, and crafts for sale on Friday and Saturday.

Shoes:  Hard-soled shoes (leather or synthetic) are recommended, as rubber tends to stick to the floor.

Food:  Lunches will feature soup and sandwiches.  Dinner will be our usual variety of tasty potluck contributions.  Contributions of fruits and sweets for snacks would be appreciated.

Crash Space is available.  Please contact Diana Blanchard at 314-726-5737 or diana.blanchard@att.net.

For Other Information:  Please contact Rex or Nancy Couture at 314-275-8228 or , or Bill or Diana Blanchard at 314-726-5737 or diana.blanchard@att.net.