About The Ensembles & Artists

GORANA DANCE

Elissaveta Iordanova established ELEA GORANA DANCE COLLECTIVE more than 16 years ago with the mission to preserve Bulgarian folk heritage and to present its beauty through dance, music, rituals and unique costumes. EGDC's goal is to be a cultural ambassador of Bulgaria in the US.

Dancing Crane

Dancing Crane is an ensemble which includes professional dancers who have learned and performed since childhood in the country of Georgia. Their performances present a program of the regional dances of Georgia in various regional costumes. They represent the oldest Georgian cultural center and repertory theater company in New York.

Victor Sirelson, the founder, is a researcher of ethnic dance and music. He became involved with the study of Georgian dance and formed a collaboration with Merab Tsereteli, a dancer with the Sukhishvili Ensemble in Georgia. Find out more about their dance, music, theater and youth programs at dancingcrane.org

Sofiko Alania

Sofiko is a singer, choreographer, dancer and performer of traditional Georgian songs and dances. She has participated in many festivals and competitions in both Georgia and the US. She currently teaches Georgian folk dancing and singing in New York City.

1. Лале ли си, зюмбюл ли си (Are you a tulip, are you a hyacinth)

This song and dance portray the beauty of the three girls whose hearts bring beauty to the village.

Dancer: Nadia Petkova
Song by: Nevena Tsoneva

 

2. Розова Долина (The Rose Valley)

Just south of the Balkan mountains lies the Rose Valley, a place where roses are grown and harvested by hand by local women. Rose oil production is one of the trademarks of Bulgaria.

3. Буенек (Buenek)

A female dance connected with spring rituals and traditionally danced on Еньовден (Enyov Day / St. John's Eve). The wreaths are made from flowers and herbs believed to have a healing power.

4. Tbiliso

A Georgian song by Sofiko Alania.

5. Acharuli

A Georgian dance by Dancing Crane.

6. Samaia

A Georgian dance by Dancing Crane.

7. Дайчово (Daichovo)

A dance from central northern Bulgaria.

8. Шира (Shira)

A dance from Bulgaria's Danube (northern) region, referencing the Danube river that runs along the border with Romania.

9. Vagiorgoma

A Georgian song by Sofiko Alania.

10. Qartuli

A Georgian dance by Dancing Crane.

11. Svanuri

A Georgian dance by Dancing Crane.

12. Чапраз (Chapraz)

A dance from the town of Yambol in Bulgaria's Thracian region.

13. Петрунино (Petrunino)

A dance from the Shopski region in western Bulgaria.

14. Енино (Enino)

A dance from the Rodopi mountains in central southern Bulgaria.

15. Jeirani

A Georgian dance by Dancing Crane.

16. Osari

A Georgian dance by Dancing Crane.

17. Копаница (Kopanitsa)

A ritualistic dance from western Bulgaria. The rose flowers in the dance are intended to be given to the women's love interest.

18. Бучимиш (Buchimish)

A dance from the Rose Valley in central Bulgaria.

19. Криво Садовско (Krivo Sadovsko)

A dance from Sadovo, a village in central southern Bulgaria close to Plovdiv. "Krivo" translates to "crooked".

20. Apxazuri

A Georgian dance by Dancing Crane.

21. Lagundi

A Georgian song by Sofiko Alania.

22. Mtiuluri

A Georgian dance by Dancing Crane.

23. Шопска Ръченица (Shopska Ruchenitsa)

A dance from the Shopski region in western Bulgaria.

24. Йовино (Yovino)

A dance from the Shopski region in western Bulgaria.

25. Край Шоплука (Kray Shopluka)

A dance from the Shopski region in western Bulgaria.