BULGARIAN SINGING WORKSHOPS

Workshop Leader:
Dessislava Stefanova, formerly with the Philip Koutev Bulgarian State Folk Music and Dance Ensemble: founder/leader of the London Bulgarian Choir
 

This is an exciting opportunity for singers of all abilities to learn from renowned Bulgarian performer and teacher, Dessislava Stefanova, some Bulgarian songs and vocal techniques. 

Bulgarian singing is powerful and expressive. It has a unique style with fiery rhythms, unusual harmonies and a vocal technique that gives power to the voice and voice to the heart.

Bulgarians are born and die with music. There seems to be a special song – of joy, praise, lament – for every moment of a person’s existence, turning life into a sacred ritual of sound and blessing. The richer and fuller the sound, the greater the vibration, the more powerful the blessing.

Workshop participants will have a chance to plunge into this rich living tradition. They will be introduced to the basic techniques of voice production and special vocal effects (like shaking and hiccoughing) used in Bulgarian singing. They will learn Bulgarian songs in two and three-part harmony. Prepare to be loud!

Dessi's workshops take you on a journey around Bulgaria, exploring the landscapes of the voice and the creative traditions of the country.  All songs are taught by ear, and the ability to read music is not required. Song sheets will be provided.

• General workshops: during this lively and informal workshop, beginners and experienced singers alike will be introduced to the basic techniques of Bulgarian singing and will learn songs in two- and three-part harmony.
   

• Advanced workshops: an opportunity for more experienced singers who have completed at least one full day's Bulgarian Singing workshop to explore the Bulgarian style more fully, to learn more advanced techniques, and to extend their repertoire of songs.
   

• Workshop length and numbers: standard workshops are 2 hours in length. Longer workshops are available by arrangement. The maximum number of participants is usually 30.

Dessi sang with the renowned Philip Koutev Bulgarian State Folk Music and Dance Ensemble. She now lives in the UK where she continues to perform with A Spell In Time and other groups.  She is founder and conductor of the London Bulgarian Choir and is highly respected as a workshop leader throughout the country.  She has a wide repertoire of authentic songs from all over Bulgaria and is experienced in working with both Bulgarian and international choirs and musicians.

BULGARIAN FOLK DANCE WORKSHOPS

Photo: Tim Armstrong

Workshop Leader:
Moni Sheehan, trained in Plovdiv, Bulgaria
 

Bulgarian folk dances are characterised by their lively energy, grace, uneven rhythms and exciting footwork. Most of them are group chain dances and each region has a different style: from the fast intricate footwork and shimmering shoulders of the Shoppe area to the slow poised balances of the Pirin region. With music that ranges from the hauntingly beautiful to the unstoppably compulsive, these dances are deeply enjoyable and highly sociable, and there is something here for everyone.

Bulgarian folk dances are definitely good fun, and the aim in all workshops is to achieve an equal balance between enjoyment and skills development. The workshops are suitable for those who are interested in learning the techniques of an unfamiliar form of dance that celebrates the joy of living and the power of the individual within the community.

• Beginners/general workshops: For those with little or no experience, or for mixed abilities, this introductory workshop offers participants the opportunity to learn some principal movements, rhythms and styles of Bulgarian folk dance. The repertoire will include dances in simple 5/8, 7/8 or 9/8 rhythms with a gradual increase in complexity.
   

• Intermediate workshops: For those with some dance experience and an ability to pick up steps/rhythms more quickly, this workshop offers participants the opportunity to learn more complex dances. These involve more intricate footwork and include rhythms such as 11/16 or mixed rhythms.
   

• Workshop length and numbers: standard workshops are two hours in length. Longer workshops are available by arrangement. The maximum number of participants is 30.

Participants need to bring soft, well-fitting shoes with a gentle grip (not ballet shoes or high heels), and to wear comfortable clothes that don't restrict movement. A sturdy belt that fits loosely around the waist is useful for some dances (optional).

Moni is half Bulgarian. She trained in contemporary dance at Middlesex Polytechnic, and in Bulgarian Folk Dance in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

BULGARIAN FOLKLORE & RITUAL

Led by members of the A Spell In Time team

Bulgarian folk rituals are usually a mixture of ceremony, sympathetic magic, singing, music and dancing. They can be both serious and fun.

A Spell In Time offers participatory workshop events on selected themes, such as girls' rituals or the Bulgarian folk wedding. As well as being good fun, these events draw on a range of skills and offer an experience that puts the participants right at the heart of the mythic universe.

Folk ritual workshops are specially designed in content and format to meet individual requirements. They can can vary from 2 hours to 2 days in length, from simple to quite complex.

For the Winter's Edge Festival 2004, for example, the company prepared a special participatory performance of The Red Blood Rose with 40 workshop participants. This was the culmination of a series of workshops in Bulgarian Singing, Dance and Folk Ritual centred on the Bulgarian traditional wedding. You can see photos of the event, courtesy of Lightsmith

See also photos of the Bulgarian Wedding Workshop at Spirit Horse Nomadic Circle enacted over two days in the fantastic valley in Wales

BULGARIAN STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS

Led by Moni Sheehan

Bulgarian traditional tales are rich, powerful, many-layered and almost unknown in the West. Workshops combine skills learning with cultural content and with the exploration of some of the inner mysteries of the world of myth and fairytale.

These sessions explore storytelling techniques and processes at work with Bulgarian myths and folk tales. They are specially designed to meet individual requirement. Examples include:

• Beginners workshops: participants learn some Bulgarian tales and the basic techniques of good storytelling in a friendly, relaxed and informal atmosphere.
   

• Workshops for those with some experience: Themes include
  Samodivi: Wild Women in Bulgarian Tales
  The Dragon's Bride
  The Hero's Journey
  The Use of Folklore and Ritual in Storytelling
  Integrating Music and Storytelling