When:
July 25 - August 4, 2008
Led
by: Jim
Gold
Featuring:
- Learn
to dance and sing in Plovdiv!
- Attend
the Dorkovo Folk Festival!
- An
exotic train ride on the narrow gauge railway from Velingrad
to Yakoruda!
- Relax
in two leading spa resorts of Velingrad and Sandanski!
- Visit
the Dancing Bears Nature Reserve under the personal patronage
of Brigitte Bardot!
- See
the sand pyramids of ancient Melnik!
The
Bulgarian Folk Music and Dance Seminar is especially designed
for...
... non-Bulgarians
(or Bulgarians interested in connecting with their “roots” music
and dance) who want a more in-depth opportunity to learn traditional
instruments, singing styles, and dance than is normally possible
for groups or individuals traveling to Bulgaria.
This unique
program couples the rich knowledge of teachers at the Music
Academy with tradition bearers throughout the country. Classes
will be taught by village “masters” from
many regions in Bulgaria; the dance program in particular features
different groups of musicians and dancers throughout the week,
teaching dances from their own villages. It will feature instrumental
classes in gaida, kaval, gudulka, tambura, tupan, and singing
and folk dance styles from Strandzha, Thrace, Pirin, Rhodope,
Shopluk, and Dobrudzha.
After
a week of study in Plovdiv, we’ll attend the Dorkovo
Folk Festival in Velingrad, and visit the scenic and historic
towns of Sandanski and Melnik.
Price includes:
- All
seminar classes
- Round
trip jet from New York
- Transfers
- Hotels
- Breakfasts
- Dinner
in Melnik
- Private
bus with English speaking guide for touring portion
of program.
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Price:
Land only:
$1995
Land and air: $2795
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 Day
1: Friday, July 25:
Depart on Air France Air from JFK airport in New York
City.
Day,
2-8: Saturday, July 26 to Friday, August 1:
Arrival in Sofia. Transfer to Plovdiv and check in to the
4-star Trimontium Princess Hotel. On Sunday, August 2nd, an
afternoon orientation meeting for the Bulgarian Folk Music
and Dance Seminar orientation will take place at the Plovdiv
Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts. You can then decide
what classes and lessons you will take. As an added attraction,
the Plovdiv International Folk Festival will be taking place.
Free evening concerts in the Roman Amphitheater one block from
the Academy.
Day
8-9: Friday-Saturday, August 1-2:
Meet our guide and driver. Depart from Plovdiv for Velingrad.
Arrive to see the opening of the Dorkovo Folk Festival. On Saturday,
we’ll enjoy a full day of authentic folk singing and folk
dancing, ethnic costumes, performing groups, and photo opportunities
at the Festival.
Day
10-11, Sunday-Monday, August 3-4:
Leave Velingrad. Visit the wild and beautiful Bears Nature
Preserve. Arrive in late afternoon in Sandanski, home of the legendary Spartacus,
leader of the slave rebellion against the ancient Romans. Relax and refresh.
Overnights in our spa hotel Sandanski.
Monday morning
drive near the Greek border to visit the Rozhen Monastery, followed
by a visit and walking tour to the picturesque town of Melnik.
Farewell dinner with wine. Monday morning, after a relaxed breakfast,
depart for Sofia. 1:00 p.m. arrival at Radisson Hotel to join
our glorious
August 3-17 Folk Tour of Bulgaria!
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