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Folk Dance Federation of California, South, Inc.
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The Balkan Range
Bulgaria is divided north from south by this branch of the Austrian Alps that gives the Balkan Peninsula its name. The range has been a refuge for freedom fighters for centuries, even up through World War II, and maintains a certain militant character in many of its dances. Men dance with swords and bound high in the air in leaps typical of mountaineers whose livelihood develops powerful legs and a vertical view of the world.
The Danube Plain
Sloping gently north from the Balkan Mountains to the Danube River, the plain ends in 600-foot cliffs that drop abruptly to the river; the Romanian border on the north side slopes gently up from the river, very much like the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington. Ethnologists view the Danube Basin on both sides of the river as being a common folk culture, a theory hotly denied by both. However, many dances appear to have suspiciously similar figures and rhythms.
Northwest
Extending like a horn to the northwest into a confluence of cultures from Banat, Serbia, Hungary, and the Vlachs (dislocated Bulgarians from Romania), this unnamed region possesses one of the most rich and varied dance cultures of Bulgaria. Vlach dances are very prominent in the recreational folk dance repertoire (Stara Vlajna, Raca, and Vlaško, among others).
Dobrudza
To the east, next to the Black Sea, Dobrudžla is a poor region with swampy lands and poor soils, relying much on Black Sea tourist trade and a pastoral agriculture for its economy. Some of the most interesting and beloved dances of all come from here, heavy and powerful with large, expressive arm and leg gestures and names such as Rŭka, Tropanka, and Zborinka.
Sredna Gora
Little known to those who have not visited there, this small mountain range (Central Range) lies just south and parallel to the Balkan Range. Between the two, near the geographical 
center of the country, is the fragrant Valley of Roses, where millions of red, white, and pink roses are grown to produce one of Bulgaria's most famous exports: attar of roses (rose oil), a major ingredient of most of the world's perfumes.
Thrace
One of the most ancient names in the Balkans, Thrace is ethnologically divided into east and west regions and extends into northern Greece. Lying south of the Balkan Range in a high, arid plateau, it requires irrigation for its bountiful crops that have nourished the people since the ancient Greeks. Thracian music has an almost unmistakable style, characterized by long-held, plaintive notes, played as though the musician is reluctant to leave each one. Though many of the dances are quick, most here are characterized as slow, soft, and earthy – danced in a crouched position. The Râcenica, Bulgaria's national dance, takes a unique and beautiful form here, danced with the arms outstretched in beautiful gestures, men slapping the thighs in syncopated rhythms as partners dance face to face (without touching, of course).
The Rhodope Mountains
To the southwest, three small mountain ranges, Rhodope, Pirin and Rila, comprise one of Bulgaria's most lovely areas. Deep gorges, high waterfalls, icy rivers, and the historic Rila Monastery make this a tourist attraction. Here is heard the mellow tones of the Rhodope gajda [bagpipe], a much larger instrument than those found elsewhere.
Šop
The westernmost region borders Serbia and Macedonia and possesses an extremely rich dance culture. Here, the dance reaches perhaps its fastest tempo. Brilliant, flashy legwork guarantees a good audience response, ensuring its popularity in dance ensembles and recreational dance repertoires.
Pirin
In the southwest, the mixed rhythms of neighboring Macedonia are very evident; Sandansko Horo, with probably the most complex rhythm in the folk dance repertoire at 22/16, comes from the town of Sandansko in this area. Pirin's folk dance company is world famous.
Printed in Folk Dance Scene, March 2021