Folk dances for adults
The Bulgarica Cultural Center offers inspiring Bulgarian folk dance classes for adults, designed for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the magic of Bulgarian folklore – regardless of their experience. The classes combine movement, music, and tradition, developing both dance skills and a sense of rhythm, coordination, and expressiveness.
Immerse yourself in the magic of Bulgarian folk dances
In classes, you will have the opportunity to learn diverse dances and movements from different folk regions of Bulgaria, to move to the accompaniment of captivating folk music, and to express yourself through dance. Our instructors create a friendly and motivating atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and confident in their development.
Dancing is not only fun but also a great way to stay active and de-stress from everyday life.
Bulgarica Dance Ensemble - Stage, Tradition, and Inspiration
The Bulgarica Dance Ensemble was founded in 2018. It brings together Bulgarian folk dance enthusiasts with the mission to preserve and popularize Bulgarian culture.
The ensemble actively participates in concerts and festivals in the Chicago area, impressing audiences with their energy, authentic costumes, and impactful choreography. The artistic director is choreographer Petur Iliev, who inspires dancers to develop their potential and proudly present Bulgarian traditions.
Training levels at the Bulgarica Dance School
At Bulgarica dance school, various levels of training are offered, allowing for gradual development and skill enhancement:
- Folk dances for beginners
- Folk dances for intermediate beginners
- Folk dances for intermediate level
- Advanced Folk Dances
The first lesson is completely free – a wonderful opportunity to feel the atmosphere, get acquainted with the teaching style, and discover your place in the Bulgarica dance family.
Venues
Classes are held at two convenient locations:
- Bulgarica Center – 1120 S Elmhurst Rd, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
- Roselle Park District - 555 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Roselle, IL 60172
Come and become part of a vibrant, energetic, and inspiring dance experience!
You will acquire
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Facilities
Teachers
Petur Iliev
Choreographer of Bulgarian folk dances and modern ballet
Petur Iliev graduated from the Bulgarian National School of Music and Dance Art and holds a BA degree from the National Institute of Choreography in Bulgaria. He started his professional career as a principal dancer in the National Dance and Music Ensemble "Filip Kutev" - Sofia. Through his Dance It! program, talented dancers have received scholarships to institutions including Pacific Northwest Ballet School and School of Ballet Chicago. In 2008 he founded the Iliev Dance Art Foundation, supporting many educational dance initiatives.
Petur Iliev also teaches ballet at Purdue University, where his semester-long courses are largely made up of students with no previous dance training.
Yana Kopcheva
Teacher
Yana Kopcheva is a long-time teacher at the Bulgarica Dance School. She has danced in the ensemble "Druzhba" - Pleven founded in 1967. With the ensemble they have had great success abroad with performances in international festivals. She has been with the Bulgarica Dance School since its inception, and has been teaching at the school since 2018.
Krassimira Ganeva
Teacher
Krassimira Ganeva is a teacher in the Bulgarica Dance School, which will start its first class for children aged 4-6 years in the autumn/winter 2023 season. She is an extremely talented professional and a long-time participant in the Bulgarica Dance School with many appearances on stage, who will guide the children in learning Bulgarian folk dances throughout the season.
Boryana Petrova
Teacher
Boryana Petrova has been a part of Bulgarica since 2016. Her dance journey began as a child in a folk group, and later she participated in productions on large stages, where she developed stage presence and discipline. In the school for a long time she assisted the educational process as Teaching Assistant in various groups and actively performs in Bulgarica Dance Ensemble.
This season Boryana does its debut with its own beginner class, which relies on a clear rhythm, clean technique and a friendly team atmosphere.
Event Hours(6)
Prices
Monthly: $45
Single visit: $15
The first visit is free.
Discounts: $35 a month if you also attend another Bulgarica class · $40 a month for a parent who attends the class together with their child. Discounts cannot be combined.
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