Исторически пластове в танцовия фолклор на Сливенски окръг
Historical Layers in the Folk Dances of the Sliven District

Summary/Abstract: The various elements of the complex cultural and historical existence of folklore give us evidence as to the specific way of life, norms of behaviour, types of communication and artistic experience, i.e. of a practically synthesized collective energy reflected in artistic and aesthetic manifestations and turned into stylistic elements, in dances, which delineate the historical development of Bulgarian folk-dance culture. The District of Sliven comprises one of the Thracian regions where folk dances have been most highly developed. In the most southern part of the district, the proper Thracian one – the county of Nova Zagora – we witness a comparatively preserved system of rites with the corresponding games and dances to the accompaniment of songs (wedding songs, St. Lazarus’ Day songs, etc.), whereas in the central region with a mixed population – half highlanders and half inhabitants of the Thracian valley – the folk-dance culture has developed rather in the direction of festivity, artistry and the extended square dances having a predominantly artistic and entertaining function. This is the highest point to which the folk dances develop within the framework of the old genre system and an instant before the destruction of the latter – an instant bearing the marks of the complete freedom of the world outlook, which characterized the national revival-period and gave an impetus to creative activities. In the third part of the district, the county of Kotel, an original dance culture typical of a national revival town is evident. It is the result of a new festal genre system, which has appeared on the basis of the old peasant one while, at the same time, repudiating it.

• Details
• Contents