The beginning of Salsa connects with popular Cuban music and in particular the Cuban Son, which became world famous in the 20s. This music style became the reason for the appearance of the Latin dances. Salsa is a dance, interpretation of one of the styles in Cuban Son – Son Montuno, and there is a strong influence of Danzon, mambo, guaguanko and other Afro-Cuban folkloric dancing. Salsa is rediscovered and constantly changing, and today the dance is a rich blend of Latin-American styles, with elements from the western dance culture.
Read more
Alexandrina Stoyneva (Ina) started practicing dancesport at the age of 12. She developed her skills in one of the most prestigious dancesport clubs in Bulgaria – KST Levski Brilliant “, where she worked with Mr. Vladimir Bozhilov, qualified Bulgarian coach and international judge. She started dancing salsa in 2001. over the years, repeatedly falls in the top three on the Bulgarian salsa scene in the selection of pairs for the World Salsa Championship. She has taken lessons with Billy Fajardo – chief judge of the World Cup salsa, Tanya Kesindzhar and Jorge Burgos, known as Ataca & Alemana – one of the best bachata pairs in the world. Within her dancing career, she realized herself as a professional dancer, choreographer, coach and judge and one of her brightest appearances has led her to the international scene in Greece, Romania, Germany, Switzerland, England, USA and others. She represents Bulgaria and Romania in two consecutive World Salsa Championships in the United States. She has taken part in TV formats. She has finished all of the semesters in the National Sports Academy, with a major in Dancesport Coach. She is one of the founders of the innovative dance ensemble Latin Force.
Zahari Zahariev dances and teaches salsa for more than 15 years now. He combines flexibility, speed, technic and his own dancing style. He has had private lessons with world famous names like Billy Fajardo – Chief Judge of the World Salsa Championship, Tanya Kesindzhar and Jorge Burgos, known as Ataca & Alemana – one of the best bachata couples in the world. He has participated in TV formats, numerous competitions and international congresses. He represented Bulgaria and Romania on two consecutive World Salsa Championships in the USA. He relies on his personal contact during his coaching career. The dancing lessons he teaches, pass in a pleasant and easy to learn way. He is one of the founders of the innovative dance ensemble Latin Force.
Ivi Pavlova was born in Sofia. She started dancing at the age of four, going through various styles such as gymnastics, modern ballet etc., but classical ballet remains closest to her heart up to this day. At the age of 12, she joins a children’s salsa group and falls in love with this dance. She participates in various salsa events and festivals as part of a children’s formation. In March 2016, Ivy joins a Latin Force salsa class for the first time, where her potential was noticed immediately. From January 2018, she began teaching Salsa and Bachata in the studio. She continues to develop her skills, attending international festivals which involve some of the best Salsa and Bachata (LA, NY) dancers in the world. Ivy is part of Latin Force’s latest project – Latin Force JR Team!
Ralitsa Petrova (Rally) was born in Sofia. She describes herself as an artistic and creative person who has been involved in various activities related to professional sports, music and dance since she was a child. Rally began her dancing career at the age of six. She became acquainted with the magic of Sport dancing during her first months at school and she continues to attend the training throughout the whole year. Shortly afterwards, Rally fell in love with the beauty and elegance of Modern and Classical Ballet and enrolled in the Roberta Ballet School, where she danced for 4 years. There she received basic and advanced knowledge of dance as an art and also became familiar with elements of rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatics, hip-hop and contemporary dance. In 2010, she participated in ESDU DANCESTAR World Dance Masters in Porec, Croatia. Rally has a lot of experience on stage, she has participated in dance shows, music concerts and various children’s plays.
In 2012, Ralitsa stopped her dance career for a short period of time, as she was captivated by another passion – martial arts. She began to work hard and engage with Olympic Taekwondo, and after a few months she conquered some of the competitions, winning her first medals in international and Bulgarian tournaments. Sport undoubtedly builds her as a strong person who does not stop when she faces any difficulties and relies on her own will, perseverance and free spirit. Taekwondo has been an integral part of her life for the last 9 years, during which she has won national, Balkan and international titles. Ralitsa is currently a Taekwondo coach, training children and adults.
In Spring 2017, Rally decided to join a group of social Latino dances. She made her first steps in this art with Dimitar Lazarov. She was captured by the fiery nature of the Latin dances and continued to visit the hall almost daily. What really differentiates Rally from the rest is her extreme positivity and her belief that the magic of the dance is expressed in the gentleness and artistry of the movements. In 2019 she was invited to participate in the Latin Force Junior Team, a project of Latin Force Dance Studio.
Ralitsa Petrova became an official part of the teaching staff of Latin Force in 2021, together with her dance partner – Petko Petkov (Pepso).
Petko Petkov (Pepso) was born and raised in Pleven. Music and dance became a part of his daily life in his early childhood. He began to develop his great potential at the age of 6, when he enrolled in folk dances and folk singing. A few years later, Pepso developed another passion – professional sports, and more specifically basketball. Sport teaches him a lot and builds in him qualities such as perseverance, hard work and endless dedication to everything he does. In 2018, he suffered a serious knee injury, which unfortunately led him to decide to stop playing basketball. Not long after, however, his old love of dance and music sparkled again after stumbling upon a Salsa lesson. The vigorous Latin rhythms kindle a real fire in his heart, and Salsa and Social dances become an integral part of his daily life.
Pepso started dancing in Trifon Trifonov’s school in Pleven, and quickly realised that he wanted to do this kind of Latin art not only as a hobby but also professionally. Pepso takes part in many Bulgarian festivals, and the thrill of stage performances motivates him to continue to develop. He gradually embraced his teaching potential by leading children’s groups in Reggaeton, whilst also taking part in the preparation process of several Salsa and Bachata groups.
In 2019, Pepso moved to Sofia to continue his education, where he was quickly noticed for his distinctive dancing style and radiant positivity. He became an official part of the teaching staff of Latin Force in October 2021 together with his dance partner – Ralitsa Petrova (Rally).
Borislav Toshkov is one of those people for whom sport is a way of life. In his early years, he was actively involved in football, folk dancing, cycling and fitness. Later on, during his studies at UACEG (2001-2006), he studied martial arts and their philosophy. In 2009, he accidentally came across Salsa, which has since become his great love. Passionate dancing and fiery Latin rhythms have made him an active part of the Salsa community, where he never misses an opportunity to dance and learn. The main styles in which he performs at festivals such as Fanta Dance Festival and Summer Salsa Festival are Salsa LA style and Bachata. After a long time searching, he found his Salsa home in the halls of Latin Force, where he continues to develop. Inspired by his desire to share the knowledge and dance experience, he started teaching in May 2017 and has been part of the Latin Force instructors’ team for several years now. An engineer by profession and a dancer at heart, he leads his classes with attention, precision and absolute dedication.
Zornitsa Petrova was born and raised in Sofia. She has been involved in musical arts since early childhood. She was accepted into the pop and jazz vocal class with leading singing assistant Dr Neli Marinkova at NBU in 2009. She attended ballet classes with Assoc. Dr. Zelka Tabakova, and acting with the director of the Plovdiv Opera Associate Nina Naydenova. She began her career as a singer and dancer in productions for famous companies in different parts of the world, where she worked with world-class choreographers. One of them is Karen Bruce, the choreographer of: “Saturday Night Fever”, “Fame”, “Footloose the musical”, The Bodyguard etc. Zornitsa participated in Bruce’s stage performance and Keith Cox’s produced and directed show “Kings and Queens”, in which there is a part that’s dedicated to the Salsa diva Celia Cruz. The show ignited a spark of love for Latin music, which in 2016 led her to the Latin Force halls, where she began to dance Salsa and Bachata with Ina and Zahari, and in 2020 became part of the instructors’ team.
Valentin Poromanski grew up in a family of musicians, and art has been a inseparable part of him over the years. From a very young age, he became an actor, taking part in many performances, some of which in the opera. At the age of 13, he started playing basketball and martial arts, moreover, his skateboarding skills are on a professional level which he continues to develop these days. A few years later he discovered his new vocation – a salsa dancer and instructor. He has participated in Bulgarian and international festivals as well as salsa competitions, some of which he wins. From February 2019, he joined the Latin Force instructors’ team with his partner Kristina, and they began teaching salsa together for the first time at the Latin Force halls.
Monica Stoyanova was born in Sofia. She graduated with a master’s degree from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, majoring in “History”. She has been dancing since she was a child, studying Modern ballet in Sofia. After graduating from high school, she worked as a professional Modern dance dancer in Ballet formations. Her Latin dance classes began in 1999. In March 2000 she was certified by the “Union of Aerobics in Bulgaria”. At the end of 2004, she graduated as a Sports dances coach from the Vasil Levski National Sports Academy. Over the years, she has developed as an instructor of modern and social Latin dances – Salsa, Bachata, Cha-cha, Merengue. Together with Simeon Stefanov, they founded Vamos Latin Dances Club.
Monica is a European Professional Salsa Champion (2005), as well as the first dancer from Bulgaria to qualify and represent Bulgaria twice at the World Salsa Championship in USA, Las Vegas (2005-2006). For the period 2004-2009, she was consistently ranked in the top three in Salsa competitions in Germany, England, Italy and Bulgaria.
She has participated in a number of international and Bulgarian festivals in the USA (Las Vegas), Italy (Rome, Milan), England (London), Spain (Barcelona), Slovenia (Ljubljana), Czech Republic (Prague), Serbia (Belgrade), Cyprus, Greece, Romania (Buzău), Turkey (Marmaris), Poland (Wroclaw), Germany (Hamburg, Munich), Bulgaria (Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Borovets, Stara Zagora, etc.).
In addition to being a choreographer, instructor, dancer and contestant, Monica is also a judge at many national Salsa competitions. She appears in various television shows, commercials and films, and participates in charity events and movements.
Most characteristics of Monica’s style are the speed and rapidness, the clean elegant dancing style, a perfect balance when spinning, grace and femininity in every movement, combined with a unique interpretation of the music in the dance.
Bachata is a popular music and dance that occurred in the rural areas of the Dominican Republic. It derives from the Latin American traditional music, as the main instrument that’s playing, is a guitar. It is played in 4/4. The original term, after which this genre is called is “amargue” ( “bitterness” or “sad music”), but later it became popular as bachata. The main topics concerned are romantic stories – love, separation, happiness, sadness.
Read more
Alexandrina Stoyneva (Ina) started practicing dancesport at the age of 12. She developed her skills in one of the most prestigious dancesport clubs in Bulgaria – KST Levski Brilliant “, where she worked with Mr. Vladimir Bozhilov, qualified Bulgarian coach and international judge. She started dancing salsa in 2001. over the years, repeatedly falls in the top three on the Bulgarian salsa scene in the selection of pairs for the World Salsa Championship. She has taken lessons with Billy Fajardo – chief judge of the World Cup salsa, Tanya Kesindzhar and Jorge Burgos, known as Ataca & Alemana – one of the best bachata pairs in the world. Within her dancing career, she realized herself as a professional dancer, choreographer, coach and judge and one of her brightest appearances has led her to the international scene in Greece, Romania, Germany, Switzerland, England, USA and others. She represents Bulgaria and Romania in two consecutive World Salsa Championships in the United States. She has taken part in TV formats. She has finished all of the semesters in the National Sports Academy, with a major in Dancesport Coach. She is one of the founders of the innovative dance ensemble Latin Force.
Zahari Zahariev dances and teaches salsa for more than 15 years now. He combines flexibility, speed, technic and his own dancing style. He has had private lessons with world famous names like Billy Fajardo – Chief Judge of the World Salsa Championship, Tanya Kesindzhar and Jorge Burgos, known as Ataca & Alemana – one of the best bachata couples in the world. He has participated in TV formats, numerous competitions and international congresses. He represented Bulgaria and Romania on two consecutive World Salsa Championships in the USA. He relies on his personal contact during his coaching career. The dancing lessons he teaches, pass in a pleasant and easy to learn way. He is one of the founders of the innovative dance ensemble Latin Force.
Ivi Pavlova was born in Sofia. She started dancing at the age of four, going through various styles such as gymnastics, modern ballet etc., but classical ballet remains closest to her heart up to this day. At the age of 12, she joins a children’s salsa group and falls in love with this dance. She participates in various salsa events and festivals as part of a children’s formation. In March 2016, Ivy joins a Latin Force salsa class for the first time, where her potential was noticed immediately. From January 2018, she began teaching Salsa and Bachata in the studio. She continues to develop her skills, attending international festivals which involve some of the best Salsa and Bachata (LA, NY) dancers in the world. Ivy is part of Latin Force’s latest project – Latin Force JR Team!
Ralitsa Petrova (Rally) was born in Sofia. She describes herself as an artistic and creative person who has been involved in various activities related to professional sports, music and dance since she was a child. Rally began her dancing career at the age of six. She became acquainted with the magic of Sport dancing during her first months at school and she continues to attend the training throughout the whole year. Shortly afterwards, Rally fell in love with the beauty and elegance of Modern and Classical Ballet and enrolled in the Roberta Ballet School, where she danced for 4 years. There she received basic and advanced knowledge of dance as an art and also became familiar with elements of rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatics, hip-hop and contemporary dance. In 2010, she participated in ESDU DANCESTAR World Dance Masters in Porec, Croatia. Rally has a lot of experience on stage, she has participated in dance shows, music concerts and various children’s plays.
In 2012, Ralitsa stopped her dance career for a short period of time, as she was captivated by another passion – martial arts. She began to work hard and engage with Olympic Taekwondo, and after a few months she conquered some of the competitions, winning her first medals in international and Bulgarian tournaments. Sport undoubtedly builds her as a strong person who does not stop when she faces any difficulties and relies on her own will, perseverance and free spirit. Taekwondo has been an integral part of her life for the last 9 years, during which she has won national, Balkan and international titles. Ralitsa is currently a Taekwondo coach, training children and adults.
In Spring 2017, Rally decided to join a group of social Latino dances. She made her first steps in this art with Dimitar Lazarov. She was captured by the fiery nature of the Latin dances and continued to visit the hall almost daily. What really differentiates Rally from the rest is her extreme positivity and her belief that the magic of the dance is expressed in the gentleness and artistry of the movements. In 2019 she was invited to participate in the Latin Force Junior Team, a project of Latin Force Dance Studio.
Ralitsa Petrova became an official part of the teaching staff of Latin Force in 2021, together with her dance partner – Petko Petkov (Pepso).
Petko Petkov (Pepso) was born and raised in Pleven. Music and dance became a part of his daily life in his early childhood. He began to develop his great potential at the age of 6, when he enrolled in folk dances and folk singing. A few years later, Pepso developed another passion – professional sports, and more specifically basketball. Sport teaches him a lot and builds in him qualities such as perseverance, hard work and endless dedication to everything he does. In 2018, he suffered a serious knee injury, which unfortunately led him to decide to stop playing basketball. Not long after, however, his old love of dance and music sparkled again after stumbling upon a Salsa lesson. The vigorous Latin rhythms kindle a real fire in his heart, and Salsa and Social dances become an integral part of his daily life.
Pepso started dancing in Trifon Trifonov’s school in Pleven, and quickly realised that he wanted to do this kind of Latin art not only as a hobby but also professionally. Pepso takes part in many Bulgarian festivals, and the thrill of stage performances motivates him to continue to develop. He gradually embraced his teaching potential by leading children’s groups in Reggaeton, whilst also taking part in the preparation process of several Salsa and Bachata groups.
In 2019, Pepso moved to Sofia to continue his education, where he was quickly noticed for his distinctive dancing style and radiant positivity. He became an official part of the teaching staff of Latin Force in October 2021 together with his dance partner – Ralitsa Petrova (Rally).
Borislav Toshkov is one of those people for whom sport is a way of life. In his early years, he was actively involved in football, folk dancing, cycling and fitness. Later on, during his studies at UACEG (2001-2006), he studied martial arts and their philosophy. In 2009, he accidentally came across Salsa, which has since become his great love. Passionate dancing and fiery Latin rhythms have made him an active part of the Salsa community, where he never misses an opportunity to dance and learn. The main styles in which he performs at festivals such as Fanta Dance Festival and Summer Salsa Festival are Salsa LA style and Bachata. After a long time searching, he found his Salsa home in the halls of Latin Force, where he continues to develop. Inspired by his desire to share the knowledge and dance experience, he started teaching in May 2017 and has been part of the Latin Force instructors’ team for several years now. An engineer by profession and a dancer at heart, he leads his classes with attention, precision and absolute dedication.
Zornitsa Petrova was born and raised in Sofia. She has been involved in musical arts since early childhood. She was accepted into the pop and jazz vocal class with leading singing assistant Dr Neli Marinkova at NBU in 2009. She attended ballet classes with Assoc. Dr. Zelka Tabakova, and acting with the director of the Plovdiv Opera Associate Nina Naydenova. She began her career as a singer and dancer in productions for famous companies in different parts of the world, where she worked with world-class choreographers. One of them is Karen Bruce, the choreographer of: “Saturday Night Fever”, “Fame”, “Footloose the musical”, The Bodyguard etc. Zornitsa participated in Bruce’s stage performance and Keith Cox’s produced and directed show “Kings and Queens”, in which there is a part that’s dedicated to the Salsa diva Celia Cruz. The show ignited a spark of love for Latin music, which in 2016 led her to the Latin Force halls, where she began to dance Salsa and Bachata with Ina and Zahari, and in 2020 became part of the instructors’ team.
Valentin Poromanski grew up in a family of musicians, and art has been a inseparable part of him over the years. From a very young age, he became an actor, taking part in many performances, some of which in the opera. At the age of 13, he started playing basketball and martial arts, moreover, his skateboarding skills are on a professional level which he continues to develop these days. A few years later he discovered his new vocation – a salsa dancer and instructor. He has participated in Bulgarian and international festivals as well as salsa competitions, some of which he wins. From February 2019, he joined the Latin Force instructors’ team with his partner Kristina, and they began teaching salsa together for the first time at the Latin Force halls.
To the attention of all insecure or overconfident dancers! You can now improve your dance without taking a risk and disappointing your partners at a party.
Freeflow Salsa and Bachata practice during which you will have the opportunity to experiment or practice what you have already learned in full comfort and without being the center of attention. Prepare in the most pleasant way for our next party in the modern and professionally equipped Latin Force halls!
Kizomba – passion, harmony and something more…!
Kizomba is very sensual, but not sexual dance that originated in the late 80s and early 90s in distant Angola, containing within itself the lyrical Portuguese sounds and the wilder African rhythms. They say that in Kizomba everyone is attracted by something in their own way, because it is a mixture of many Latin dances such as the emotion of the tango, bachata, KSC and others.
Read more
Balance, harmony and trust – these are the three things required in Kizomba, as well as freedom of movement and constant connection. Exchange of energy, between partners as well as with the ground!
Alena Sterk or Ali, as most people know her, started dancing when she was little. She met the classic preparation of the ballet, and went through dance sport, aerobics, salsa and bachata. When she met Garo Uzunyan, she found the infinite charm of Kizomba, which she developed in the recent years, visiting a numerous international festivals and lessons with the best instructors: Kvenda Lima Morenas and Anais, Ricardo and Paola and many others. She has a certificate for successfully completed course for instructors “Teacher’s Training” of the Afrolatin Connection, Porto, Portugal. She was part of a troupe for typical dances with performances in India and Spain.
‼️Dear friends!
A very dear friend, a colleague, a person and an instructor from our team has left us forever! We believe and truly know that she has touched each of you who have had the blessing to dance with her, laugh with her and be part of the magic called Ali! Thank you for being her students and friends! We will continue her work, having the confidence that even after us, dance will continue to be the closest thing to goodness and cohesion in our society.
Ali wiil be always part of Latin Force’s team!
Miroslava Gavrilova (Mira) is a certified group trainer, a certified Zumba and Strong Nation instructor (member of ZIN and SYNC) and a dancer with extensive experience in social Latin dances. Born in Sofia, she has been devoted to music and dancing since childhood. She is an economist by education, loves the world and the scene. In 2015, being in love with Bachata, she started studying Salsa and Bachata with Lyubka Zdravkova, and a few years later she joined the Bachata Sofia Touch Team – a representative of the world-famous Island Touch Dance Academy with choreographers Ataca y La Alemana. She discovered her passion for Kizomba in 2016 and joined the Random Roots Kizomba Team Sofia, part of the Random Roots Academy, choreographed by the famous Kizomba instructor Albir Rojas. Over the years, she never stops developing and motivating herself. She takes part in international and national stage performances, and TV show formats. She visits many foreign Latin and Kizomba festivals, where she learns from the source, gets inspired and collaborates with some of the best artists and instructors in the world. Her mentors are Alena Sterk, Carola Tauler, Eliza Sala – The Queen of Ginga, Marta Mignone and Jeremy Yami Cham. She has participated in various foreign teams: Sweet Kiz Team; I love Kizomba Sensual team. She has been an organiser, co-organiser, presenter and promoter of famous Latin events and Kizomba festivals. Currently she is a Kizomba Instructor of the Ladies Kiz Team “As Rainhas De Alena Sterk” – a project of Alena Sterk.
Todor Ivanov started dancing Kizomba in 2017. He always claimed that what ignited him in Kizomba from the very beginning was a video he saw on the internet of Isabelle and Felicien. Over the years, he continued to develop and improve his level in different schools. In 2018, he took part in the “World Kizomba Day” Flashmob as part of Team SOFIA – Bulgaria – the idea of the project was to popularise Kizomba, and with the collected funds to help create the first documentary about Kizomba – “Dance for it”. Two years later, the film was made. At the beginning of 2019, Todor managed to fulfil one of his biggest dreams and become one of the few instructors in Bulgaria that has studied in Paris and has been certified at the highest level in the methodology and teaching system of Isabelle and Felicien: Kizomba Teacher Training Level 3.
Zouk is a music and dancing style that originated in the early 1980s, first starting in the Caribbean, and in particular the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. The name derives from the Creole word Zouk, which they referred to the evening dance parties. The specific music, with gentle melody motives and a strong beat, could be seen in the dance as an interesting combination of smooth movements and bright accents.
Read more
As a social dance, zouk is usually danced in pairs both in closed and open grip. The leading often takes place not only with the palms of your hands, but also with your whole hands and back. Typical for all types of zouk is the specific whiplash movement of the head of the lady.
Currently the dance is known under the name Brazilian Zouk, which contains many variations of the style. The most popular among them are: lambazouk (porto-seguro style), which is closely related to lambada, dancing in a slow-fast-fast rhythm, with a characteristic movement of the thighs and quick rotation; traditional zouk (Rio style) – more sensual and romantic, with multiple moves of the body and smooth movements influenced by ballet and contemporary dance; modern Zouk (neo) – a combination of zouk and other styles like samba, tango, contemporary and even hip-hop.
Kassav’ band are considered the founders of the music style zouk is considered the which is based on the traditional Antilles music, mixed for the first time with studio sounds, creates the new genre. Among the popular zouk artists are Perle Lama, Kaysha, Soumia, Jamice, Zouk Machine, Nelson Freitas and others. Today, zouk is also danced to contemporary pop and R & B songs mixed in Zouk sounding.
Emilia Tzvetkova (Emi) – grew up in a family of dancers and choreographers, has discovered the magic of dance since she was young. As a child she has been dancing classical ballet, later becoming part of the modern ballet dance ensemble “Astra”, Blagoevgrad, where she participates in various festivals in Bulgaria and abroad. The Latin rhythms had always been her weakness, and the love for salsa sparkles from the very first dance. Together with the salsa, she also discovers the not so popular Zouk dance, which attracts her with the smooth moves and the specific music rhythm. Since 2013, Latin dances have become an indispensable part of her everyday life and little by little they have grown into a professional interest. As a Darvish Yoga Certified Instructor and other psycho-body practices, Emmy pays a great attention to connecting with the body and she identifies the dance as one of the best ways to do so.
Sergey Stalev (Serge) – his roots come from the cold Russian taiga but they are not an obstacle to devote his heart to the Latin rhythms. His first interest was in music which has quickly grown into an attraction to dancing, and since 2010 he has been exploring and dancing different styles of social dances. The Salsa remains the closest to its temperament, and in recent years he is devoted to developing in this direction. In parallel, he starts developing his skills in another attractive style – Zouk, and dreams of popularizing it among other dance lovers. Along with that, Serge has been performing martial arts for more than 10 years and is currently a Wing Chun assistant instructor. His interests complete each other and contribute to his development as a dancer and instructor.
Emi and Serge are part of the Latin Force Dance Studio Instructors’ team since the beginning of 2018.
In the beginning of the 20th century dances emerge and form in the way we know them today, namely competitive dances or later called dance sport. They are divided into two main groups – standard and Latin American, five dances in each.
Read more
Standard Dances:
English (slow) waltz – music proportions in ¾, tempo 28-30 beats per minute. It was performed for the first time in 1918. It originates from the American “boston”.
Tango – music proportions 4/4, moderately fast tempo 30-32 beats per minute. Origin – Argentina. In 1907. Paris held the first official contest tango.
Viennese waltz – musical size 3/4, moderately fast pace – 58-60 beats per minute. In 1813 it was denied as a dance, but it was impossible to stop its spread.
Foxtrot / Slowfox / – music proportions 4/4, the tempo is moderate 29-30 beats per minute. Origin – America, created by Harry Fox in 1910. One of the most popular dances.
Quickstep – music proportions 4/4, tempo fast – 50-52 beats per minute. American dance that appeared in Europe in the early 20s.
Latin American dances:
Samba – music proportions 2/4, moderately fast tempo 50-52 beats per minute. Homeland – Brazil. Fast paced dance with pulsing rhythm.
Cha-cha – music proportions 4/4, moderately fast pace – 30-32 beats per minute. They were created based on Cuban dances in 1953 in Havana – Cuba.
Rumba – music proportions 4/4, slow pace – 24-26 beats per minute. It is danced on a special kind of slow music called “rumba bolero.” It originates from Cuba.
PASODOBLE – music proportions 2/4, moderately fast pace – 58-60 beats per minute. The origin of the dance – Spain. It was performed during fiestas. It was first spread in Latin America, and later in Europe, but as competition dance.
Jive – music proportions 4/4, tempo fast – 40-44 beats per minute. It was known as “Boogie” in 1938, as “jitterbug” in 1940, as “bimbon” in 1945 – but it always had the same steps and movements. It gets the name “Jive” from the English. A decisive turning point in the performance and the movements of the Jive dance come between 1955 and 1957 with the debut of the “rock and roll” music.
The modern tendencies in the development of ballroom dancing are mainly in the direction of athleticism and dynamics. Despite the closeness to extreme sports, there is something very attractive, beautiful and enduring in them.
The social Latin dances, that are taught in courses for children: salsa, merengue, cha-cha.
Vasil Pavlov started dancing at the age of eleven in the town of Pomorie. The very first training left him fascinated by this art. He started dancing in one of the most successful clubs in Bulgaria at the time – “Burgas 1975” with instructor Andrey Todorov. He has won many awards in Bulgaria and abroad. In 2016 he started participating in competitions with his current partner Tanya Baltova.
Tanya started dancing at the age of six. She made his first dance steps in nursery, and then continued in a Sports dance club “With a tailcoat and pair of leather shoes” and has won many prizes in the country and abroad since early childhood.
In 2021, 2022 and 2023, Vasil and Tanya are champions of Bulgaria in Latin American dances in the over 19 years old participants category. They took part in the World Championships in Czech Republic, the European Championships in Paris, the European Cup in Portugal, as well as in the most prestigious Sports dance tournament in Blackpool, England. In 2020, they are in the top 100 in the world rankings for over 19 years old performers of Latin American dance.
Vladimir Bozhilov is one of the most prominent trainers and international judges of Sport dances in Bulgaria. One of the two founders of KSD “Brilliant”. Since 1978, he has participated in numerous international competitions, exams, congresses, festivals, seminars, workshops and training camps held in the country and abroad. He was also a judge in the popular dance show “Dancing Stars”. The contestants he has worked with over the years are multiple finalists and semi-finalists in regional and national championships, cups and international championships, as well as absolute champions of Bulgaria, the Balkans, European champions and semi-finalists in world championships in Sports dances and Salsa, this includes both individual championships for dance couples as well as in ensemble compositions (the first champions of Bulgaria in Latin American dance formations).
See more
– Higher Technical Diploma from “HIAC” majoring in Geodesy
– Higher Education Degree from “SWU” specialising in Choreographic direction and Pedagogy
Giving him the right to teach higher education classes in: Classical dances (Ballet), Contemporary dances (Street, Contemporary, Jazz, etc.), Folk dances and main specialisation in Sports dances (Ballroom Latin, Caribbean: Salsa, Merengue, Bachata ( Rock-n-roll Social, etc.)
– Sports Dance Judge category “A” and International judge category (IDSF).
– Sports Dance Instructor
– Latin dances Judge and Instructor
He has been practising Classical, Folk, Jazz, Latin, Social and Sports dances since 1976, and from 1987-1992 he has competed in class “M” (international) in ten dances – 5 standard (STT) and 5 Latin American (LAT) ).
He has participated in a huge number of competitions in the country and abroad, being a finalist in all the national championships since 1987. Since 1993, he has been competing as a professional dancer. Together with his partner Margarita Kraeva, he has won the championship title in Latin American dances.
He has been teaching since 1979, working in a wide range – from children to adults. As a result of his sports-pedagogical work in sports and Latin dances, he has trained multiple contestants who then became finalists and semi-finalists in regional and national championships, cups and international championships, as well as absolute champions of Bulgaria, the Balkans, European champions and semi-finalists in world championships in Sports dances and Salsa, this includes both individual championships for dance couples as well as in ensemble compositions (the first champions of Bulgaria in Latin American dance formations).
He became a judge for the first time in 1984. Since then, he has been a judge at numerous regional and national championships, qualifiers, cups and championships in Bulgaria and abroad. He has attended all the seminars related to refereeing, and he himself organised the first specialised one, at which for the first time referee books were handed out to all fellow members of the SD of the BGDSF. Actively participates in building the image of the judges and in creating the necessary paperwork for their work. He is currently working on his book on the theory of adjudication and related issues.
In 2008, he was invited to be the chairman of the Judges’ commission in the popular dance show “Dancing Stars”, and since then he has participated in the dance reality formats “Vip Dance”, “Bailando” and “Play Me”.
Every year since the year in which he founded KSD, “Brilliant” he organises a national competition, as well as “Rising Stars Competition” and “Brilliant Saturday”. He has already organised the “Brilliant Awards” ceremony four times – a unique event that promotes not only Sports dance contestants, but also their coaches and improves the image of sports dance not only in our country, but also abroad.
Dilyana Popova (Didi) is performing dance sport for 14 years. She competes in a number of Bulgarian and international competitions (Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the most prestigious tournament in the world – Blackpool in England). She has developed her skills attending numerous seminars and she has been trained by some of the highest ranked coaches in the dance sport field from Denmark and Slovenia. She gained even more knowledge of the dance sport thanks to the world champions in Latin American dances, the amateurs Troels Baer and Ina Zhelyazkova (Denmark).
She graduated NSA with a major in “Coach Dance Sport” and also “Spanish Philology” at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski “. This preparation made her extremely good at her work with children’s groups and her work with pairs that take part in competitions.
Dilyana part of the Latin Force Team.
How do the lessons with Dilyana proceed you can see HERE 😉
Swing – the old new fashion! Swing Dance is a broad term that encompasses many dancing styles that appeared in the swing era (30s and 40s of the last century). They were quite active and were danced in numerous clubs even before the advent of swing music. It is an energetic dance which requires clothes that allow participants to move freely and feel comfortable on the dance floor. Because of the brightness, brilliance, and the dynamics of the swing, clothing plays an important role in the beauty of the dance. Numerous dance group of swing have emerged in the suburbs with black population, based on African folk dances, but few were born in British ethnic societies. Usually in when you hear swing, you think of styles like Boogie Woogie, Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston, West Coast Swing, Rock’n’roll and much more. Swing dancing is fun, different and bears positive emotions.
Lindy Hop Bulgaria – the biggest swing dance school in Bulgaria was established in 2012 and has the noble mission to promote swing dance and culture in Bulgaria, to inspire a cohesive and expanding society. It manages to attract not only Sofia but also Plovdiv and Ruse! The school enjoys a talented and dedicated team of 25 instructors, who are making every effort to achieve this goal and successfully inspire more than 400 actively dancing swingers. More than 4,000 students have been taken care of and have felt the spirit and the heart of Lindy Hop Bulgaria, who continue to dance up to this day bounces.The instructors are the first swing dancers in Bulgaria to complete the international Lindy Hop and Charleston (Swing 90X) training program of the top instructors Dax & Sarah.
With Lindy Hop Bulgaria you can also learn how to dance Charlston Solo, Boogie Woogie and Jive 50s.
Swingin Monkeys is a swing dance school established in 2013. The instructors are captivated by the magic of swing culture and dances, they are always smiling and positive, and they strive to pass on this energy to everyone! They believe that this is the best way to contribute to the development of one positive and friendly swing society. Swing dances bring the rich historical and musical culture with themselves, a glamorous dressing style and a contagious enthusiasm.
With Swingin Monkeys you can learn how to dance Charleston, Lindy Hop and Boogie Woogie.
The Argentine passion – tango!
Romance, love and above all passion are the words that best describe tango. This is the dance that in its authentic form leading man and lady following him unconditionally.
Read more
Bella Haritova has been dancing many different dance styles, including
classical ballet, contemporary dance, sports dance and salsa. In 2007 she discovered the Argentine tango and together with her partner Pavel Nedev they began taking
lessons with Ivo Parushev and Chavdar Krumov. They have private lessons and attend a number of seminars with Argentine and Italian instructors. After that, they both strat teaching at various dance studios in Sofia and participate in the tango demonstrations, organized by Tango BG. Bella studied modern dance and graham technique with Tsvetanka Gerginova. She has attended professional training in classical ballet and contemporary dance. She studied ballet with the dancer Tsvetanka Petkova, then with Mary Gezentchova and with the prima ballerina Vesa Tonova. She finished a training program in contemporary dance, Dance port Derrida in 2014 and crrently she is part of Derrida’s Dance Center. She has participated in various performances and projects, including Metronome of the choreographer Zhivko Zheliazkov, Fortified spaces of the American choreographer Sidra Bell, In the eyes of others – choreographer Michaela Grivev, Home – of the Portuguese choreographer Louis Marafa and others. She continues to seek new ways of expression in order to make her dance skills perfect in each style she performs, she practices yoga, and she is actively engaged with various forms of the contemporary and classical dance and together with that she is interested in Nuevo tango.
Pavel Nedev started dancing salsa in 2006. Shortly after, he discovers the Argentine tango and starts intensive lessons with the founders of the tango
community in Bulgaria – Chavdar Krumov and Ivo Parushev. He has attended seminars with Argentine and Italian teachers, including Monika Parra, Maximiliano
Paradiso, Mazen Kiwan, Luca Lamberti, world champions in tango salon for 2012, Facundo De La Cruz and Paola Sanz, the creators of the Body Awareness Method Applied to Argentine Tango – Marcela Trape and Mario Ferraro, and many others. After a few years of training, he was offered to teach and together with his partner Bella Haritova they begin leading classes in various dance studios in Sofia. Meanwhile, together with Bella they began lessons in modern dance and graham technique. The went to a dance competition show in 2008 and won first place. They participate in tango demonstrations organized by Tango BG. Pavel is interested in Nuevo tango and contemporary dance techniques and continues to look for new ways of expression and to practice new various dance styles.
Classical ballet is the most graceful and beautiful dance! It develops musicality, coordination, dance culture, posture, and harmoniously build muscles. You will discover the pleasure from this dance, the beauty of each movement and good music, you will develop your flexibility, artistry, flair for aesthetics!
Yana Marinova was born on 30.11.1972 in Sofia, she is a ballet dancer in the Sofia National Opera and Ballet since the beginning of 1991. In 1990 she graduated secondary school in one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world – Kyiv State Choreography School. During the same year she was accepted as a soloist together with her professional partner, Maxim Belotzerkovski (currently premier at the American Ballet Theater) in the Varna Opera house, where she played all soloist roles from the repertoire of the ballet. In 1997 she graduated the State Music Academy “Pancho Vladigerov” – Sofia with a BA in Ballet Choreography and Pedagogy, and currently she is studying a Master’s degree in the same sphere. She has participated in international competitions in Varna and Osaka, where she was a finalist, as well as in various tours around the world.
Since 2016 she is a teacher at the National School of Dance Arts.
She has many stage choreographies and her students have won first prizes in International contests.
Mina Siderova started engaging in rhythmic gymnastics, gymnastics and acrobatics at CSKA club when she was 6 to 14 years old. She got a degree in Ballet Pedagogy from the AMDFA “Prof. Asen Diamandiev” – Plovdiv. She has been working as an instructor of Classical exercise for children 3 to 14 years old at Maria Ilieva’s school for the last ten years. She has also worked as a Ballet teacher at the Derrida Dance Center for Contemporary Dance. She has participated in co-productions of the Sofia National Opera and Ballet and the State Music and Ballet Center “Stefan Macedonian ” as a ballerina.
Lora Nikolaeva has been practising Classical ballet since the age of four at Masha Ilieva Ballet School. After that, she continued with her studies at Galina S. Ulanova’s Private School of Dance Arts. Since 2015, she has been a part of the troupe of State Music and Ballet Centre “Stefan Makedonski”. In 2017, she graduated holding a Bachelor’s degree in Ballet pedagogy, and a year later she received a master’s degree in Ballet direction at the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts, Plovdiv. Lora is a long-time Classical ballet instructor for children at Masha Ilieva Ballet School.
Contemporary dance is a genre of contemporary art that is expressed through a dance performance. It was developed in the mid-twentieth century, and it has become one of the dominant genres for formal dance training around the world since, especially popular in the US and Europe. Although it was originally formed by classical, modern and jazz ballet, it has changed a lot over time and it incorporates elements of different dance styles. Generally, in terms of the focus of its technique, contemporary dance combines physical strength and control, release, work on the floor, level changing, improvisational techniques for solo and group expressions, contact between dancers, unpredictable changes in rhythm, speed and direction.
Marina Popova started dancing at the age of 6. She graduated majoring in “Classical Dance” at the NSDA (National School for Dance Art, Sofia), but her passion is Contemporary dance. He continued her studies at the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts – Plovdiv and graduated holding a degree in “Ballet Pedagogy and Directing”. She specialises mainly in the field of Modern dance techniques. She danced in the National Opera Ballet, and subsequently developed her knowledge and skills as a dancer in the Arabesque Ballet troupe for over 10 years. She has participated in numerous dance projects with Bulgarian and foreign choreographers in Bulgaria and around the world.
For the last 10 years, she has been teaching Contemporary dance to both professionally oriented students and amateur dancers.
For the past 4 years, she has also been leading Pilates classes. She works together with her colleagues at “Stream Dance Studio”, where for two years in a row she has been teaching an intensive training course in Contemporary dance under a programme funded by Sofia Municipality.
For her, movement is a way of life and a source of health, a peace of mind and beauty. In her classes, she emphasises on the softness and flow of movement, as well as strength and flexibility. A basic rule for her is to have clarity for each movement in order to obtain skills and shape the body in a healthy way and without injuries.
Hip-Hop is a dancing style that is performed under Hip-Hop music and it is developed as a part of the hip-hop culture. It includes many styles such as breaking, locking and popping, which began to develop in the 70s, thanks to African-Americans and Hispanics. What distinguishes this style from the rest is the possibility of full and free improvisation, allowing the dancers to express themselves. Put in other words – there are no restrictions in Hip-Hop! This style is the representation of the free spirit of the street culture. From the establishment of Hip-Hop until now there have occurred many famous and proven styles, each of them combines unique movements.
Zdravko Kostadinov (Groovez) is a professional with great experience, style and innovative ideas. He has participated in most Bulgarian video clips, in reality formats such as X Factor. He has participated in workshops with the choreographers and dancers of Usher, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson, Madonna in the US, Germany, Czech Republic and Bulgaria. He has worked with artists such as Mario Winans, Crisco, Maria Ilieva, Miro, 100 Kila, Divna, Santra and others. Zdravko has participated as leading dancer and choreographer in the largest and most successful tours, LIVE concerts and events, both in Bulgaria and abroad: Coca Cola HAPPY ENERGY Tour, BG RADIO MUSIC AWARDS, Media Music Awards (Romania), Top of the pop (Poland), Eurovision.
He draws experience and inspiration while visiting international hip-hop workshops. In 2013. He won a scholarship given by the “Dancing art – Iliev” foundation and he moved to Los Angeles, where he spent a month learning from the choreographers of the stars on the world music scene.
In 2016 together with Plamen Andreev (Pacho & Zdravko), he won the 359 Hip-Hop Awards – “Best Hip-Hop Dance Formation” 2016.
Korean pop or K-pop is a music genre that includes many styles of South Korean pop music including various areas of dance music, electro pop, hip-hop and contemporary rhythm and blues. According to the author of the American music magazine Rolling Stone, K-pop is “a mixture of fashionable Western music and high-energy Japanese pop” (J-pop), which “catches listeners with its repetitive playful phrases, often in English”. K-pop “follows the line of mixing styles, combining singing, rap and emphasises specially on performance and powerful visual effects”.
Read more
K-pop is not just music, but also a subculture, popular amongst young people around the world. It is attractive because of its modern-sounding songs, which have easy-to-remember phrases in English. The music videos are colourful and fun, and each song has its own choreography which the artists perform on stage.
Dancing is an inseparable part of k-pop. When groups dance and sing, they often change positions quickly. K-pop choreography often includes “Point dance”, which consists of repetitive movements. These basic movements stand out, are easy to remember and match with the lyrics.
Simona Doganova started dancing when she discovered K-pop culture back in 2012. At the end of 2014, she founded the group D.I.Y. She won second, third and special prizes at KPOP World Festival Bulgaria with it, as well as first prize at Animes Expo. She’s been a judge for the Elite Dance Championship competition in K-pop dances management for the period 2019-2022 as well as for Animes World Stars in 2021 and 2022. In November 2022, she won first place with D.I.Y at the second edition of World of Dance Bulgaria 2022 in the K-pop Minicrew category. She continues to develop her skills by being involved with Hip-hop and High heels dance.
From September 2020, D.I.Y becomes a part of the dance family of one of the most developed street and modern dance schools in Bulgaria – DA Clique. From October 2020 she started leading K-pop classes at Latin Force.
Bulgarian folk dances heritage is part of the wealth of our culture and traditions. Bulgarian folk dances are a manifestation of the spiritual culture of our people. They reflect the life experiences and the feelings of the Bulgarians and are inextricably linked with the labor, customs, music and vocal creativity. There are various types and forms of folk dances, the style and character of the performances are diverse, folk costumes, musical accompaniment and the related folk dance customs. The study of folklore in its regional variations and diversity allows its complete and more accurate storage in time. Each of the six main ethnographic regions are famous for their specific dances and people that reflect its history, culture, manners and customs. Bulgarians have created a large number of folk dances over the centuries, games and dances with the diverse choreography, rhythms, forms and construction. All this variety of dances along with the wonderful authentic folk melodies make people of all ages, genders and professions to relax from the busy working day.
Marina is one of the professional choreographers in the Bulgarian folk dances club “Vitosha”, founded on November 8, 2010 by the chief artistic director and choreographer – Radoslav Todorov. Since then, the group has taken part in many prestigious concerts, festivals and competitions in Bulgaria and abroad. The main goal of the “Vitosha” club is to study and keep the authenticity of the folk-dance patterns. In the repertoire of “Vitosha” club already exist several developed stage dance productions.
Since first grade Marina, began studying “Choreography” in the class of Donka Yordanova in 74th School “Gotse Delchev” in Sofia. Even before completing her secondary education, she became part of the children and youth folk ensemble “Spring” under the guidance of Acad. Krassimir Petrov and Rahila Petrova. In 2012 she graduated from the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts in Plovdiv, with major in Bulgarian folk choreography under the direction of prof. Daniela Geneva and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anton Andonov. Upon graduation, she received an award for contribution to the work of the academy. During her university education Marina works as a performer in the dance formation “Plovdiva.” From 2012 to 2015 she danced in “Pasha Dance Theater” – Antalya, Turkey, where she has participated in more than 900 performances. From 2015 until now, she teaches Bulgarian folk dances in kindergartens and schools for the Emotion Dancing school. Since November 2015 is the chief instructor of the Bulgarian folk dance lovers in “Bodifolk” club, and together with thay she started working as an artist in the professional folk ensemble “Bulgarian rhythms.” Since January 2017, Marina is an instructor of Bulgarian folk dances in Latin Force Dance Studio.
Mihaela is one of the professional choreographers in the Bulgarian folk dances club “Vitosha”, founded on November 8, 2010 by the chief artistic director and choreographer – Radoslav Todorov. Since then, the group has taken part in many prestigious concerts, festivals and competitions around the country and abroad. The main goal of the “Vitosha” club is to study and keep the authentic folk dance patterns. Several stage developed dance performances exist in the “Vitosha” repertoire.
Mihaela started dancing when she was 8 years old for a dance troupe which was part of the Community Centre “Miner” in Bobov Dol – Dance Ensemble “Sun”. There, under the guidance of artists and soloists of “Pirin” Ensemble Milen Dimitrov and Asen Kolev, she participated in numerous prestigious concerts, competitions and festivals across the country. Immediately after she completed her primary education in primary school “Nikola Yonkov Vaptsarov” in Bobov Dol, she was accepted at the National School of Dance Art in Sofia in the class of Kristina Aleksandrova. During her professional education she was dancing for “Iskar” ensemble, led by Nikola Kolev and Nadia Koleva. In 2014 she participated in the “Golden crook” contest in Kotel, where she won second place! Immediately after graduation Michaela Shilegarska started working as a performer in the professional folk ensemble “Bulgarian rhythms” with artistic director Dimitar Mitev and choreographer Radoslav Todorov, where she participated in numerous folk television productions, concerts, festivals and performances across the country. In 2015 she started working as an assistant instructor at the school for amateurs, part of “Vitosha” dance club and in 2016 she became a professional instructor at the club.
Dancing has always been a part of Tsvetelina’s life. As a child she had the opportunity to get to know the beauty of dance art and Bulgarian folklore by joining the children’s dance group “Iskritsa”, Novi Iskar. Later on she continued to develop in the field of dance and graduated from the National School of Dance Arts – Sofia with a degree in Bulgarian Dances where she was in the class of Mrs. Iliana Petrova. Along with dancing, she also decided to develop in another direction and continued her higher education at the New Bulgarian University, majoring in Psychology. Since 2019 she has been dancing in the professional folklore ensemble “Bulgarian Rhythms”, thanks to which she has had the chance to perform both on stage and in various TV shows with folklore themes. Since 2020 he has been part of the team of Vitosha Folk Dance Club.
Alexander began his dance career in first grade in the children’s and youth folklore ensemble “Hortse”, in Lom under the direction of the choreographer Snezhina Yoskova. He danced there until seventh grade, when he was accepted to study Arts at 144 Narodni Buditeli Secondary School, Sofia – Choreography profile, where he completed his secondary education. Immediately afterwards, he enrolled to study at the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts in Plovdiv with a profile “Bulgarian Folk Dance Choreography”, where he completed his higher education in Mr. Dimo Enev’s course. He began teaching Bulgarian folk dances to children in the ”Happy Shopche” ensemble at the Buhovo House of Culture during his professional higher education. In 2012, he was hired as an Artist Performer in the professional folklore ensemble ‘Bulgarian Rhythms’, with Chief Artistic Director Dimitar Mitev and choreographers Radoslav Todorov and Rangel Vangelov. As a professional dancer in the ensemble ‘Bulgarian Rhythms’, he takes part in hundreds of concerts, television shows, performances and private events across the country and abroad. In 2018 he starts teaching Bulgarian folk dances in the amateur schools of Vitosha Folk Dance Club, founded on November 08, 2010 by the chief artistic director and choreographer – Radoslav Todorov. The main goal of Vitosha Club is to study and preserve the authentic folklore and dance patterns. There already are several stage-developed dance performances in Vitosha’s repertoire.
Irina Boteva has been involved with folk dances since 2004. Before that she had been searching for her place in the dance world for a long time – she tried Modern dances and Salsa as an amateur. She has also been in a fitness training for many years. Folk art, however, is her greatest passion. “It gives you the opportunity to connect to an almost unlimited source of information, skills and personal development.” In 2014 Irina graduated with a degree in ”Bulgarian Dances” from Emil Genov and Krasimir Petrov, and in 2015 she enrolled in a master’s programme at NBU – “Bulgarian Folk Choreography”.
She founded the Bulgarian Folk Dance Club “Horovodets” on 14th March 2011. The club is dedicated to the idea of developing and preserving the Bulgarian folk art. She has taken part in many festivals, fairs and concerts.
Oriental dances are one of the most ancient in the world, the Middle East and North Africa are considered for their homeland. In the beginning, the dance was performed as part of various rituals, as well as a form of entertainment. In oriental dances, there are different traditional and modern styles, some of which involve the use of accessories – veil, cane / stick, wings, fans, melaia and others.
Read more
SHA’ABI (provincial) – As its name suggests, this is a popular and simple dance, originating from the province. These actually are the dances for a wider category of people from different regions, which have similar expressive characteristics that are derived from the unification of Arab Muslims. Convenient, cheerful and lively, the SHA’ABI dance is closely linked with the land, which is reflected in its variation, SAIDI – dance originating from the upper part of Egypt (Upper Egypt). In recent years, this form of dancing art gets more and more respected.
BALADI (CITY) – The music and style BALADI is compared with “Soul jazz” and “Rhythm & Blues”, originating from the American black ghettos. It’s a relatively new, urban form of Raqs Sharqi. In the beginning of the century, under British rule and during the urbanization, much of the rural population moves to cities and this leads to the emergence of new features in the music and the dance, which are expressed in BALADI style. This is the most interesting style from a research point of view, because it appeared last. From a music point of view, the “imported” from the West music instruments – keyboards, accordion, saxophone and thrombus are combined with traditional instruments such as duff, nay and tablah. That is how TAXIM BALADI was born. In the 30s, this form is solidified in the so called ASHRAH BALADI (structure, divided into ten parts, which consists of theme variations, played by the alternation of different instruments).
SHARQI (CLASSIC) – is a sophisticated dancing form, inherent to the royal court. The movements are smoother, less devoted to the rhythm and require more space. Counted as a “classic” Egyptian style refined, expressive and sensual, SHARQI is the resulted evolution of the above-described styles. Soft and smooth hand movements, facial expressions, supple rhythm of movement of the breast and the pelvis, accompanied by a series of complex and elegant steps that make this style very expressive and captivating.
Boryana’s passion for dancing started when she was a child, she used to dance classical ballet. After a while, she discovered the oriental dance which immediately grabbed her attention with its grace and femininity. She traveled to Egypt and Jordan, where she gets to know the Arab culture. Soon after that, she began to dance oriental dances professionally. She is teaching in several dance studios,where she has developed successful groups, participated in various programs and performances. Boryana is the founder, senior teacher and choreographer of the Sarab Oriental Dance School. She trains students in all levels – beginner, intermediate, advanced and professional dancers. She also does teacher training which some other instructors in the school are currently undergoing, some of Boryana’s students are Iveta, Lilia and Eva.
Boryana has been trained to teach Oriental dance by the world-famous Sandra Danse method in Nice, France and is certified to teach it. She continues to broaden her knowledge and meetup with masters of Oriental dance, with whom he studies a variety of styles of the dance dance. Some of Boryana’s teachers are Gamal Seif (Egypt), Randa Camel (Egypt), Caled Mahmoud (Egypt), Mohammed Qazafi (Egypt), Mahdi Emara (Egypt), Mayudi (Morocco), Mercedes Nieto (Hungary), Leila (Hungary), Leyla (Hungary) ), Elena Ramazanova (Russia), Margarita Darina (Russia), Prince Kayamer (Greece), Eva Hadzhihristu (Greece), Isida (Germany), Martha Corsun (Ukraine), Selma Ben (France), Ilan Riviera (France) and others. She continues to attend their seminars in order to develop her style and skills while learning from the best.
Boryana performs her own projects – Oriental dance performance “Mirage” together with Semir Alcadi (14.02.2015), Fire Fusion Project together with “Palyachi” (they got first place in the “Non-standard forms” category at the Muses Festival, Sozopol 2015), Oriental Magic concert “(20.12.2015), Dance Performance “Tale of 1001 Nights” 2017 with over 40 performers on stage. Lunar Light Dance Performance 2018. She leads oriental dance workshops and seminars both in Bulgaria and abroad. In November 2016 she held a seminar in Cologne, Germany where she was invited by Isida. She was an instructor and a judge in the Professionals Show category during the prestigious Cairo By Night Festival 2019 in Ser, Greece. She has participated in various TV shows – mentor in the program “I Can Do It Too” on Nova TV, “Over Coffee” on Nova TV, “Marmalad” on BTV, “Searching for something” on BNT2, semi-finalist in “Bulgaria’s got Talent” on BTV.
She participated in photographer Pedro Bonato de Castro’s project “The Orientalist”. Boryana organises numerous annual oriental parties and events.
She has worked with a number of domestic and foreign artists, including the Greek star Nikos Vertis for the video of his song “Allaxa”.
She is the founder of Boriana Dance & Entertainment and various show programmes – light show, fire show, oriental show for all kinds of events.
In addition to dancing, Boryana has a medical degree. She has a different perspective on how the dance affects the body, the positive effects on physical and mental health, proper nutrition and the needed physical activity. She knows the mechanics of movements and how they need to be performed safely, she also takes into consideration the combination of dance with various health conditions such as discopathy, pregnancy and others.
Lilia could not even remember when she falls in love with the dance . Over the years she has been interested in folk dances, sports dances, k-pop, hip-hop and oriental dances, and in the face of the last two styles she finds her greatest love. The two seemingly distant worlds of hip-hop dancing and oriental ones enter in an absolute symbiosis into her greatest passion – the tribal fusion style.
She has been trained and is a part of the Sarab Oriental Dance group under Boryana Dimitrova’s leadership for four years now, where she builds a solid foundation in different Oriental styles. In her own tribal fusion version, the base is the Oriental dance with elements of popping, hip-hop, contemporary dance, as well as music from different modern styles.
Lilia has attended seminars and workshops in Bulgaria and Greece led by Eva Handzikristou (Greece), Isa Logonovich (Poland), Kira Lebedeva (Ukraine), Polina Shandarina (Russia), Alexandra Zervu (Greece), Dimitra Diamanti (Greece) Erifli Nicholas (Greece), Dimitris Pekos (Greece), Ashley Lopez (USA), Olesia Baglay (Russia) and others, and she actively continues to develop and attend lessons, seminars and workshops.
She has participated in a number of dance performances – Oriental dance performance “Mirage”, dance performance of the Sarab School “1001 Nights”, she won the Sarab school’s first place for excellent performance in the 11th International Youth festival ” The Muses”, Sozopol. She has participated in the performance “Oriental’s scent” 2017, Vratsa. She is part of of Pedro Bonato de Castro’s photographic project “The Orientalist.” She has her own Youtube channel with dance videos.
India is full of variety of dance forms from different parts of the country, each has its typical accessories and costumes in bright colours. It has a rich folklore that is a way of relieving stress or expressing joy. Styles through which we can enjoy a non-verbal communication in a group, learn how to follow or lead others, how to stay present and observe what is happening around us.
Read more
The following folklore styles will be presented during the lessons: Bhangra and Giddha – from Punjab; Dandia Raas, Garba – from Gujarat; Ghoomar, Kalbelia – from Rajasthan; Lavani – from Maharashtra; Kaikotikali – from Kerala.
The classical temple styles are a symbiosis between theatre and dance, this is something that makes them special. Following the principles of yoga, they improve not only the flexibility, posture and balance, but also the ability to concentrate, observe and discipline. They help us reach new levels of perception and mystical experiences! Complex rhythmic figures are performed by each part of the body, accompanied by a narrative in which the dancer, similar to a mime, recreates different characters and moods while using a specific gesture-mimic language. Trying to express different emotions and characters, we go through them, study them, understand how they affect the body and how to control and balance them. We are learning to observe and understand ourselves.
Three of the classic styles will be presented in more depth:
– Kathak – from North India. It is characterised by upright posture, elegant hand movements, fast steps and numerous pirouettes.
– Odissi – originally coming from the state of Odisha, eastern India – what distinguishes it is its emphatic femininity and the specific ‘Tribhangi’ position, in which the head, chest and pelvis move independently and in directions opposite each other.
– Bharanatatyam – originating from Tamil Nadu, South India, stands out with its geometric characteristics of the movement, sharpness, a fixed torso, and a basic position with bend knees ”Aramandi”.
Bollywood – this is a colourful mix between classical and folk Indian dance, contemporary styles such as hip hop and modern ballet, oriental dance. The choreographies are usually illustrations of songs from popular Bollywood movies.
Indie Fusion – a symbiosis between various movements inspired by different dance styles. Performances are based on the Indian classical dances, but certain choreographies can be inspired and combine the steps and characteristics of other dances and performing arts.
During the classes I will present you a mixture between classics and folklore, between dance and theatre; between steps measuring the rhythm and free movements following the melody. The artist has the freedom to choose from all genres of music, to unleash their fantasy when choosing a costume and accessories, and most importantly to express themselves! During the lessons we will get to know the basic positions of the body and some rhythmic steps from different Indian dance styles. We will look at the most commonly used mudras (hand gestures) and learn their meaning. The classes are a fitness alternative – great cardio workouts, we are going to work on the harmonious development of all muscles, paying special attention to hips and calves, building a sense of balance and coordination.Each lesson begins and ends with exercises for relaxation, warm up and stretching. Wear comfortable clothes, and it’s preferable if you wear a long cotton scarf. We dance barefoot. No previous dance experience is required. There are no age restrictions.
Additional benefits of the dance:
– Variety of finger positions that are constantly changing which helps to move and harmonize the muscles and tendons of the palms and wrists, which balances the constant use of the computer mouse.
– Eyes are the main way of expression, which implies their constant movement and training of their muscles, which are possibly immobilized as a result of the constant staring at screens.
Indian dance classes will provoke you and you will be able to explore yourself on many levels – we will observe the body, mind and soul! You will develop balance skills, sense of rhythm, grace and flexibility. We are inviting you to forget the thoughts of everyday life together and express ourselves, light and free!
Katya Tosheva is an artist who has been inspired by the culture of India – a country with which she feels a deep and emotional connection. Following her heart, Katya quits her “normal” job and embarks on an endless journey into the depths of the Indian classical dance. Travelling from city to city, she is studies three classic Indian styles – Odyssey, Kathak and Bharatanatam, with well respected and internationally recognised instructors. Her training includes dozens of individual and group lessons with renowned teachers and performers. Visiting different parts of India, Katya explores not only the classical but also the rich folk dance tradition.
Following her dreams, she founded the Kaya Indian Dance School, where she shares her knowledge and interests with joy and enthusiasm. She teaches regularly in Sofia and Plovdiv and also teaches at Indira Gandhi School, the only school in Bulgaria connected to the Indian culture. In 2018, she received an invitation from the Embassy of India to present a dance program on the occasion of the President of India’s visit to Bulgaria and their Independence Day. In the recent years, Katya has actively participated and organised a number of events dedicated to the traditions of India, both in Bulgaria and abroad. For the third year, she was invited to teach in Serbia, and during her trip to India in September 2018, she won the first prize at the prestigious Pune Dance Festival.
Her performances have been highly recognised in Greece, Cyprus, Spain, France, Serbia and India, where she has attracted media interest and her interviews have been published in some of the most widely read editions – The Hindu and Kerala Chronical, as well as broadcasted on state television Lok Sabha and Doordashana channels. The interview of Katya and her partner Rosen Genkov on BBC News has been translated into Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and English and has exceeded 2 million views.
Tribal Fusion is a modern dance form which was born from the cultural mix of North America. Its base is the oriental dance, where most of the movements come from, as well as the American tribal and cabaret dances. This unexpected combination creates a fluid and sharp, traditional and modern dance which is full of surprises. The style does not have any restrictions, it allows every dancer to add something themselves – both philosophical and stylistic. There is an influence among the different artists from dances such as – hip-hop, popping, contemporary dance, as well as folklore forms such as kathak and other Indian dances, even Latin dances and flamenco.
Read more
The first tribal fusion dance formation belongs to Jill Parker and was founded in the ’90s, and Jill is often also called the “tribal fusion queen.” Even back then, the style grew rapidly and the dancers expanded their dance moves, they began to work not only with traditional but also modern music, incorporating theatricality and cabaret in their dancing.
The style is being constantly upgraded over the years by various dancers and their view on this mix. Heather Stans presents to the audience for the first time a minimalist aesthetics accompanied by underground electronic music with elements of contemporary dance. Many people after were strongly influenced by the growing hip-hop scene and carried this passion into the tribal fusion.
The most popular name behind the tribal fusion dancing – Rachel Bryce. She is characterised with her enchanting and smooth style, as well as with the precise pop’n’lock movements – she popularized tribal fusion dance with tremendous power and is often the face that people know and recognize (and there is a reason behind that).
The absolute freedom of expression allows every dancer to leave add something themselves and enrich the dance. There is no limit to the music that is being played, nor to the costumes or the atmosphere.
Lilia could not even remember when she falls in love with the dance . Over the years she has been interested in folk dances, sports dances, k-pop, hip-hop and oriental dances, and in the face of the last two styles she finds her greatest love. The two seemingly distant worlds of hip-hop dancing and oriental ones enter in an absolute symbiosis into her greatest passion – the tribal fusion style.
She has been trained and is a part of the Sarab Oriental Dance group under Boryana Dimitrova’s leadership for four years now, where she builds a solid foundation in different Oriental styles. In her own tribal fusion version, the base is the Oriental dance with elements of popping, hip-hop, contemporary dance, as well as music from different modern styles.
Lilia has attended seminars and workshops in Bulgaria and Greece led by Eva Handzikristou (Greece), Isa Logonovich (Poland), Kira Lebedeva (Ukraine), Polina Shandarina (Russia), Alexandra Zervu (Greece), Dimitra Diamanti (Greece) Erifli Nicholas (Greece), Dimitris Pekos (Greece), Ashley Lopez (USA), Olesia Baglay (Russia) and others, and she actively continues to develop and attend lessons, seminars and workshops.
She has participated in a number of dance performances – Oriental dance performance “Mirage”, dance performance of the Sarab School “1001 Nights”, she won the Sarab school’s first place for excellent performance in the 11th International Youth festival ” The Muses”, Sozopol. She has participated in the performance “Oriental’s scent” 2017, Vratsa. She is part of of Pedro Bonato de Castro’s photographic project “The Orientalist.” She has her own Youtube channel with dance videos.
Pilates is a method of exercise, developed by Joseph Pilates, which emphasizes the balanced development of the body through gaining strength, flexibility and sense that help the effective and grace movements. Pilates is one of the most popular exercise systems in the world. It strengthens and tones the muscles, improves posture, provides flexibility and balance and makes the figure look more fit.
Read more
Boriana is a longtime professional dancer, currently a professor of contemporary dance for children and adults. She has participated in numerous Bulgarian and international television and stage dance projects, films, videos and commercials. She graduated with an MBA in “Contemporary dance techniques” at the Art Academy in Plovdiv. In 2008 she began working as a children and sports animator. Over the past few years she focused on the choreographic and educational work with children at different ages. Her students have won medals at international dance festivals multiple times.
In order to keep the good shape of her body on stage and in the everyday life, Boryana discovered the “Pilates” method. The daily workouts turned into passion and she began working in several halls as an instructor and to lead individual workouts in Pilates and Kardiobalet. She has gained experience from some of the best instructors during various trainings and workshops. She has a certificate from the Union for Aerobics in Bulgaria and A.F. Studies Fitness School.
Teodora Tsoncheva has been in love with movement and art since she was a child, and in her life they are often connected. She is a singer and since she was a child, as part of the vocal group “Bon-bon”, she has had the honour of singing on the same stage with some of our biggest stars, such as Vasil Naydenov, Yordanka Hristova and even Lilly Ivanova. She later gained popularity as a finalist in the second season of X Factor, where she finished fourth in the final. She has actively engaged in her music career after the show until this day. As a child, she briefly trained in rhythmic gymnastics, but quickly realised that dancing attracted her much more and began to dance MTV dances, which she then replaced with Sports Dances, to later find her great love in the form of social Latin dancing. She has attended lessons with Bulgarian and world-renowned instructors. She has been part of the Salsa con Miguel contestants team for several years and has taken part in numerous dance festivals and events. At the same time, she was an assistant instructor at the school, and then she started leading her own Salsa and Bachata group.
In 2012, she became interested in Yoga and discovered what miracles Stretching can do for our bodies, and then she started doing Pilates. Tabata, on the other hand, became her favourite way to energise, challenge herself and keep in shape. For her, the best workout is a shared workout. That’s why she likes to lead group training and motivate people to actively move.
Stretching is an essential part of any workout program and is a key element in building a healthy and balanced body. It combines a system of exercises which stretch the muscles and adjacent tissues. Regular stretching improves their elasticity, which therefore leads to a greater flexibility and volume of movement. Elastic muscles are less susceptible to injuries, are healthier and recover faster because stretching improves blood circulation, oxygen and nutrient delivery respectively, and it eliminates waste in tissues.
Read more
The frequent, excessive training or immobilization leads to the shortening of some of the muscles, it destroys the muscle balance, which therefore interferes with the normal posture and movement, and it creates constant muscle and joint tension, which are prerequisites for early amortization of the musculoskeletal system. In this instance, stretching exercises have a beneficial effect on the body.
Stretching does not affect solely the muscles but also the surrounding tissues. It also stretches the muscle connective tissue – the fascia, it improves the elasticity of the joint capsule, ligaments and tendons. The last mentioned tissues have very little elasticity, which if not maintained gets lost with time.The peripheral nerves also need to be stretched and have elasticity which can be increased during training or lost during immobilisation and thus it affects the volume of the performed movements. Stretching exercises also affect the proprioceptors – special nerve endings in the muscles, joints and tendons which analyze the movements and determine the position of the different body parts.
Stretching improves proprioception and hence the mind-muscle connection.Stretching exercises help the brain release more endorphins in the body, which are the hormones associated with the sense of enjoyment and satisfaction. People often share that after a stretching class they feel their body light, supple and balanced just like after a massage.
The classes always start with a whole body warm up and then we target all the major muscle groups through static stretching (holding in a position for a certain period of time) and dynamic stretching (full-body movement that stretches your muscles). Classes end with relaxing exercises which calm the mind and the body. The exercises are specially adapted to the level and physical condition of the participants.
Mina Siderova started engaging in rhythmic gymnastics, gymnastics and acrobatics at CSKA club when she was 6 to 14 years old. She got a degree in Ballet Pedagogy from the AMDFA “Prof. Asen Diamandiev” – Plovdiv. She has been working as an instructor of Classical exercise for children 3 to 14 years old at Maria Ilieva’s school for the last ten years. She has also worked as a Ballet teacher at the Derrida Dance Center for Contemporary Dance. She has participated in co-productions of the Sofia National Opera and Ballet and the State Music and Ballet Center “Stefan Macedonian ” as a ballerina.
Lora Nikolaeva has been practising Classical ballet since the age of four at Masha Ilieva Ballet School. After that, she continued with her studies at Galina S. Ulanova’s Private School of Dance Arts. Since 2015, she has been a part of the troupe of State Music and Ballet Centre “Stefan Makedonski”. In 2017, she graduated holding a Bachelor’s degree in Ballet pedagogy, and a year later she received a master’s degree in Ballet direction at the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts, Plovdiv. Lora is a long-time Classical ballet instructor for children at Masha Ilieva Ballet School.
Teodora Tsoncheva has been in love with movement and art since she was a child, and in her life they are often connected. She is a singer and since she was a child, as part of the vocal group “Bon-bon”, she has had the honour of singing on the same stage with some of our biggest stars, such as Vasil Naydenov, Yordanka Hristova and even Lilly Ivanova. She later gained popularity as a finalist in the second season of X Factor, where she finished fourth in the final. She has actively engaged in her music career after the show until this day. As a child, she briefly trained in rhythmic gymnastics, but quickly realised that dancing attracted her much more and began to dance MTV dances, which she then replaced with Sports Dances, to later find her great love in the form of social Latin dancing. She has attended lessons with Bulgarian and world-renowned instructors. She has been part of the Salsa con Miguel contestants team for several years and has taken part in numerous dance festivals and events. At the same time, she was an assistant instructor at the school, and then she started leading her own Salsa and Bachata group.
In 2012, she became interested in Yoga and discovered what miracles Stretching can do for our bodies, and then she started doing Pilates. Tabata, on the other hand, became her favourite way to energise, challenge herself and keep in shape. For her, the best workout is a shared workout. That’s why she likes to lead group training and motivate people to actively move.
Zumba is a unique Latin dance aerobics, a combination of dance and cardio workout. It was founded in the 90s by Colombian choreographer Alberto Perez (Beto). It is characterized by dance movements in the sound of attractive Latin rhythms – salsa, samba, merengue, reggae ton, cumbia and more. The music is dynamic and freeing, which makes every workout real fun. Zumba has both aerobic movements and strength exercises. The idea is to combine healthy lifestyle with pleasure – fitness exercises and dancing. The big plus of zumba is that it is terribly fun and you do not understand how intense it actually is for the entire body. The steps are easy and fast learning. There are no levels in Zumba and you can join at any time.
Emanuela Alvarez (#EMSI) is a certified Zumba Fitness instructor since 2012, Zumba Toning – 2015, STRONG by Zumba – 2016.
In 2018 she developed a new HIP-HOP FITness® program. She does sports actively from an early age – boxing, athletics and various types of dancing such as hip-hop, modern ballet, folk dances, Latin dances and others.
Sport is not just a physical activity for her which we we practice to look nice, but it is a way of life, shaping her view of the world. All that makes us strong and makes us develop and change in a positive direction. The classes with her are a good way to relax and maintain good health through movement. Positive, energetic and always wearing a big smile on her face, she is expecting you!
Margarita Maslarova (Magi) has been involved in sports since early childhood. Initially, she started as an amateur in the Aerobics hall, but not long after she became a sports aerobics competitor in the junior and senior girls category, and later on in women. Magi has several titles from national aerobics competitions, including Republican Vice-Champion for Girls, Republican Champion in Three Category, and participated in the World Juniors and Girls Championships in Los Angeles. She had to put her sports activity on hold while completing her law education at Sofia University “St. Clement Ohridski, “but the affinity for sport and the luring power of the gym halls proved to be strong enough to get Magi back, but this time as a Zumba Fitness teacher and STRONG by Zumba! In addition to being a certified instructor in Zumba Fitness, Zumba Gold and STRONG by Zumba, Magi has also completed a Tabata certification course and is also a licensed aerobics instructor by the Aerobics Union.
Magi has participated in a number of international Zumba forums, including Bibione Beach Fitness (Italy 2016), Zumba Convention in 2017 and 2018 which were held in Orlando, USA, where she had the opportunity to participate in a number of educational workshops (including Latin Urban, Hit the Streez, Dance MashUP, Learn to cue like pro, etc.), sessions and masterclasses of Zumba training professionals and international presenters from all around the world.
Magi shares that she runs her classes for pleasure and as a hobby, she likes to see the energy that every Zumba training leaves in the people around her. “… It charges me and gives me the motivation to continue do what I love”, she shares.
STRONG Nation is a high-intensity interval training (HIIT), in which each movement is in perfect synchronisation with the tempo, accents and intensity of the sound. Moreover, the music for this class is specially produced by names like Steve Aoki, Timberland, Justin Timberlake, Jay Z in order to provoke the participants to give hundred percent, the music will be leading us while we are performing different types of high-intensity aerobic exercises. Thus, each jump, squat, burpee, etc. is guided by the given musical accent, thus the motivation to do at least one additional repetition (or maybe three) is strengthened.
The class is ideal for those who want to burn calories quicker, toning all body parts – abdomen, thighs, arms, etc. During the workout you will be using just your own weight with a mix of plio- and isometric exercises that will make you sweat and want more! Do not worry if you are a beginner – each exercise has different degrees and ways of performing – the so-called. minimum, basic and maximum, so that you feel comfortable while challenging your body!
Emanuela Alvarez (#EMSI) is a certified Zumba Fitness instructor since 2012, Zumba Toning – 2015, STRONG by Zumba – 2016.
In 2018 she developed a new HIP-HOP FITness® program. She does sports actively from an early age – boxing, athletics and various types of dancing such as hip-hop, modern ballet, folk dances, Latin dances and others.
Sport is not just a physical activity for her which we we practice to look nice, but it is a way of life, shaping her view of the world. All that makes us strong and makes us develop and change in a positive direction. The classes with her are a good way to relax and maintain good health through movement. Positive, energetic and always wearing a big smile on her face, she is expecting you!
Tabata is a training protocol and highly intensive form of cardio (HIIT). The Tabata protocol is said to be one of the most effective methods of improving aerobic and anaerobic capacity, as well as burning fat. The tabata is a highly-intensive interval workout with a total duration of 4 minutes, including an intense 20 seconds load, a 10 second break and total of 8 rounds. This makes it a preferable by anyone who does not have time for a standard fitness workout but wants fast results and good shape.
Read more
The tabata protocol was created by the Japanese scientist Dr. Tabata in 1996 at the Japanese National Institute for Sports Medicine. Dr. Tabata’s test facilities were professional Japanese fast skaters, and the purpose of the research was to find the most effective way to improve the aerobic and anaerobic capacity of the athletes. The main exercise used in the study was riding a bicycle gauge. After numerous studies, Dr. Tabata concluded that a protocol involving 20 seconds of intense exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest, for a total of 8 rounds that last 4 minutes , was the most effective method of improving aerobic and anaerobic capacity. This protocol was even more effective than running for an hour. Dr. Tabata even experimented with variable intervals, such as 30 or 40 seconds of intense workload, followed by a 10 or 20 second break, but a combination of 20 seconds of workload followed by a 10-second rest and repeated for 8 times proved to be most effective one. Just a 4 minute session of this protocol burns the same amount of calories as per 60 minutes of jogging. Moreover, the effect on the metabolism is so great that the body continues to burn a significant amount of calories even 24 hours after the workout.
The tabata protocol consists of three elements: warm-up, interval training and cooldown (smooth ceasing of the protocol, similar to the warm-up).
Lora Nikolaeva has been practising Classical ballet since the age of four at Masha Ilieva Ballet School. After that, she continued with her studies at Galina S. Ulanova’s Private School of Dance Arts. Since 2015, she has been a part of the troupe of State Music and Ballet Centre “Stefan Makedonski”. In 2017, she graduated holding a Bachelor’s degree in Ballet pedagogy, and a year later she received a master’s degree in Ballet direction at the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts, Plovdiv. Lora is a long-time Classical ballet instructor for children at Masha Ilieva Ballet School.
Teodora Tsoncheva has been in love with movement and art since she was a child, and in her life they are often connected. She is a singer and since she was a child, as part of the vocal group “Bon-bon”, she has had the honour of singing on the same stage with some of our biggest stars, such as Vasil Naydenov, Yordanka Hristova and even Lilly Ivanova. She later gained popularity as a finalist in the second season of X Factor, where she finished fourth in the final. She has actively engaged in her music career after the show until this day. As a child, she briefly trained in rhythmic gymnastics, but quickly realised that dancing attracted her much more and began to dance MTV dances, which she then replaced with Sports Dances, to later find her great love in the form of social Latin dancing. She has attended lessons with Bulgarian and world-renowned instructors. She has been part of the Salsa con Miguel contestants team for several years and has taken part in numerous dance festivals and events. At the same time, she was an assistant instructor at the school, and then she started leading her own Salsa and Bachata group.
In 2012, she became interested in Yoga and discovered what miracles Stretching can do for our bodies, and then she started doing Pilates. Tabata, on the other hand, became her favourite way to energise, challenge herself and keep in shape. For her, the best workout is a shared workout. That’s why she likes to lead group training and motivate people to actively move.
Taekwondo is a martial art that originated in Korea. As one of the most practiced martial arts, with over 70 million trainees in the world, it is a national sport of Korea and an Olympic sport. Tae – means foot, kwon – means “fist or hand”, and do means “way” or “a way of doing something”. In this way, taekwondo is often translated as “the art of punching or kicking” or “the way of hitting with hands and feet.” Taekwondo is a combination of martial arts, self-defense, sport, exercise, fun and a philosophy.
Read more
Taekwondo is based on the ancient code of the ideal citizen, defended by the earliest taekwondo fighters: patriotism, filial piety, honour and integrity, courage in battle, and justice in the use of force. Taekwondo practitioners in today’s world also strive for these same ideals. Through exercise, they try to achieve harmony of the body and mind, invincible strength of spirit. Even with its rapid modernization, Taekwondo has developed under the traditional Confucian ideology of respect for ritual, human relationships, and moral behaviour. Taoist and Buddhist philosophy also influence Taekwondo. Buddhist philosophy emphasizes on the search for an aesthetic life and self-cultivation, while Taoist philosophy provides a way for a deeper understanding of the techniques and training that emphasizes on the natural principles.
“Tao” or “Do” in Taekwondo is difficult to explain. In general, “Do” is the right way to do something. When the body moves naturally according to the given situation, we say that a certain skill has been mastered. In Taekwondo, when the movements are performed according to the needs of the given situation, we say that the practitioner has experienced a moment of harmony between themselves and the opponent. In this way, we do not see our opponent as an enemy, but rather as a potential intermediary for creating a masterpiece, just as the sculptor sees not just a piece of stone, but the work of art waiting to be created. When approached in this way, Taekwondo is filled with potential philosophical and educational values. The moment for the right action is extremely important, not only because of the fact that at this moment one’s technique and spirit are right, but also because at this moment they have entered the state of “Do”. When a person experiences this harmony constantly, it feels as if the doors of higher understanding open before him and in these moments it seems to us that nothing is impossible.
Ralitsa Petrova was born in Sofia. From an early age she loved the active lifestyle and sports, and at the age of six she began to engage with sports dances for a bit, and then modern ballet (4 years). At the age of 12, she encountered the amazing world of Taekwondo for the first time. This sport completely captivated her and she started training at Dimitar Avramov’s hall, where her younger brother also started going. The intensity, beauty and strength of Taekwondo quickly captured her heart, and the intense training and the desire to succeed became her way of living. In 2013, Ralitsa participated in her first sparring competition (Omega Cup, Belgrade) and won 2nd place amongst the cadets, and then competed in the Dacic Trophy, Romania, where she grabbed the gold medal. There are a number of successful international tournaments such as: Moldova Open, G1 Tournament (2014), where Ralitsa takes the honourable 2nd place in girls up to 55 kg, International Taekwondo Championship M2, Croatia (2nd place, girls up to 55 kg), Sofia Open (3rd place, girls up to 55 kg) and Skopje Trophy (1st place). In 2015 she became a state champion in the girls category, and then won the gold medal at the State Championship for men and women under 21. That same year, Ralitsa achieved another success in her career and became the vice-Balkan champion of the Balkan Taekwondo Championships, Serbia. Two more medals from Balkan championships followed: 3rd place in women up to 57 kg (Turkey, 2017), and 3rd place in women up to 62 kg (Romania, 2018).
Ralitsa is a 5-time state champion and has won numerous medals from Bulgarian and international competitions. She has a 2nd DAN black belt, certified by the World Taekwondo Center in the Republic of Korea “Kukkiwon”. She has participated in European championships and international camps and tournaments in Germany, the Netherlands, Turkey, Latvia, etc., where she had the opportunity to compete and train with some of the most successful taekwondo athletes in the world. She says that Taekwondo will remain in her heart forever because this beautiful sport has taught her discipline, will and determination.
These are just some of the reasons why after the end of her career as a competitor, Rally is a valuable part of the coaching staff of Taekwondo Fitness NSA and with her competence and care for the trainees she will continue to lead the athletes to new successes.
More successes:
Taekwondo Fitness NSA is one of the leading Olympic taekwondo clubs in the country. It is a development center for over 400 Taekwondo fighters, Taekwondo Fitness NSA is home to many champions, amongst which the most prominent ones are Nikol Chorbanova – five-time medalist of European Championships, Borislav Naidenov – bronze medalist of the World Championship in technical breaking in the Republic of Korea, Ralitsa Petrova – Balkan vice-champion in the sparring discipline.
The club is led by Dimitar Avramov, doctor of sports science and Taekwondo instructor at the National Sports Academy “Vasil Levski”, who together with eight of the most prominent athletes of the club reached the finals of the Bulgaria’s got talent show in 2021 as part of the national demonstration Taekwondo team.
Taekwondo Fitness NSA offers training programs to increase the technical levels in Taekwondo – groups (belts), participation in competitions, demonstrations and sports camps, along with physical and technical skills in the club, the also take care of the education of trainees in etiquette and code of honour of Taekwondo. Discipline, respect, self-control, perseverance and an invincible spirit are the principles on which the training in the club is based.
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that originated in the 16th century, which combines elements of dance, acrobatics and games, and is accompanied by national Brazilian music. The interesting thing about Capoeira is that the idea behind it is not to hurt the other person with a beautifully executed hit, but for them to be tricked and outplayed.
Read more
Therefore, there are no typical blocks in this sport, only dodging of the hits. The hits themselves are executed mainly with the legs, head and rarely with the hands. The use of the hands is more for one’s protection, acrobatics and performing moves. Capoeira is traditionally performed by gathering people in a circle, the so-called “Roda”. Part of the people in the circle are the “Charge” – the musicians, more precisely the orchestra, which dictates the style and the tempo of the game. The rest of the circle is made of the participants who demonstrate their skills and try to be stronger than their opponent by playing them wisely, carefully and even magically.
Capoeira is now a traditional sport and heritage of Brazilian culture. In the past, Capoeira was banned by the law and practitioners were considered criminals. Today it is becoming more and more popular, thanks to globalisation and the many masters who come to Europe and open and develop clubs. Capoeira is an extremely social sport. The clubs are supported and respected, and the players are constantly measuring their strength in the Roda, buying each other drinks afterwards. The musical part of the martial art brings everyone together, through the songs and music that are a description of the legends and culture of Capoeira.
Capoeira teaches respect for the individual, and its practice helps harmonious interaction both within the group and in society.
Strashimir Kuzmanov (Zaguierao) has been practising the martial art Capoeira for more than 18 years. Half of that time he has led groups for children and visited over 30 seminars in Bulgaria, Brazil, Holland, France and Serbia. In 2009, he created a branch of one of the largest Capoeira groups in the world, Senzala “Grupo Senzala”. He has received his qualification as a Capoeira teacher from Mestre Samara (Group Senzala Amsterdam). To achieve the highest degree in Capoeira, he still has two more belts to defend. He engages with the music and participates in musical initiatives of the group, representing the diversity of the art beyond its physical part. He is an Investment banker by profession.
Group Senzala Sofia has been existing for 13 years, having created a number of Bulgarian capoeiristas. It is constantly developing, organising seminars and camps.
Aerial yoga takes place with the help of a special swing (hammock) and, apart from being super fun, it is also very useful for a few things. The main benefits are a strong stretch of the whole body and especially the back and the neck, tightening of the arms and abdomen due to the many grips and pull-ups that occur, and training of the vestibular apparatus. With the help of Aerial yoga, every single person is able to do inverted poses such as headstand, handstand, scorpion, candle and many others. The circulation of the blood helps in rejuvenation of the skin, and after aerial practice we certainly see ourselves in the mirror more radiant.
Read more
Increasing blood circulation helps the movement of the lymph, which in return leads to stimulating hair growth, fighting cellulite and varicose veins, and improving concentration and overall tone. A good back stretch widens the space between the vertebrae and releases the accumulated pain and tension.
The hammock supports up to 160 kg and it is recommended that you attend with a short-sleeved blouse instead of a tank top. Aerial yoga practices are also suitable for complete beginners, you will surely enjoy them.
‼️ To reserve a place (hammock), please follow the link HERE
The workshops with us will be different every week (salsa, bachata, bachatango, kizomba, zouk, cha-cha) – they will focus on the technique of dance, body movement, musicality and other interesting details that can completely change the way you look like while dancing!
Please be welcome in December 2024, to the following workshops:
Alexandrina Stoyneva (Ina) started practicing dancesport at the age of 12. She developed her skills in one of the most prestigious dancesport clubs in Bulgaria – KST Levski Brilliant “, where she worked with Mr. Vladimir Bozhilov, qualified Bulgarian coach and international judge. She started dancing salsa in 2001. over the years, repeatedly falls in the top three on the Bulgarian salsa scene in the selection of pairs for the World Salsa Championship. She has taken lessons with Billy Fajardo – chief judge of the World Cup salsa, Tanya Kesindzhar and Jorge Burgos, known as Ataca & Alemana – one of the best bachata pairs in the world. Within her dancing career, she realized herself as a professional dancer, choreographer, coach and judge and one of her brightest appearances has led her to the international scene in Greece, Romania, Germany, Switzerland, England, USA and others. She represents Bulgaria and Romania in two consecutive World Salsa Championships in the United States. She has taken part in TV formats. She has finished all of the semesters in the National Sports Academy, with a major in Dancesport Coach. She is one of the founders of the innovative dance ensemble Latin Force.
Zahari Zahariev dances and teaches salsa for more than 15 years now. He combines flexibility, speed, technic and his own dancing style. He has had private lessons with world famous names like Billy Fajardo – Chief Judge of the World Salsa Championship, Tanya Kesindzhar and Jorge Burgos, known as Ataca & Alemana – one of the best bachata couples in the world. He has participated in TV formats, numerous competitions and international congresses. He represented Bulgaria and Romania on two consecutive World Salsa Championships in the USA. He relies on his personal contact during his coaching career. The dancing lessons he teaches, pass in a pleasant and easy to learn way. He is one of the founders of the innovative dance ensemble Latin Force.
Ivi Pavlova was born in Sofia. She started dancing at the age of four, going through various styles such as gymnastics, modern ballet etc., but classical ballet remains closest to her heart up to this day. At the age of 12, she joins a children’s salsa group and falls in love with this dance. She participates in various salsa events and festivals as part of a children’s formation. In March 2016, Ivy joins a Latin Force salsa class for the first time, where her potential was noticed immediately. From January 2018, she began teaching Salsa and Bachata in the studio. She continues to develop her skills, attending international festivals which involve some of the best Salsa and Bachata (LA, NY) dancers in the world. Ivy is part of Latin Force’s latest project – Latin Force JR Team!
Ralitsa Petrova (Rally) was born in Sofia. She describes herself as an artistic and creative person who has been involved in various activities related to professional sports, music and dance since she was a child. Rally began her dancing career at the age of six. She became acquainted with the magic of Sport dancing during her first months at school and she continues to attend the training throughout the whole year. Shortly afterwards, Rally fell in love with the beauty and elegance of Modern and Classical Ballet and enrolled in the Roberta Ballet School, where she danced for 4 years. There she received basic and advanced knowledge of dance as an art and also became familiar with elements of rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatics, hip-hop and contemporary dance. In 2010, she participated in ESDU DANCESTAR World Dance Masters in Porec, Croatia. Rally has a lot of experience on stage, she has participated in dance shows, music concerts and various children’s plays.
In 2012, Ralitsa stopped her dance career for a short period of time, as she was captivated by another passion – martial arts. She began to work hard and engage with Olympic Taekwondo, and after a few months she conquered some of the competitions, winning her first medals in international and Bulgarian tournaments. Sport undoubtedly builds her as a strong person who does not stop when she faces any difficulties and relies on her own will, perseverance and free spirit. Taekwondo has been an integral part of her life for the last 9 years, during which she has won national, Balkan and international titles. Ralitsa is currently a Taekwondo coach, training children and adults.
In Spring 2017, Rally decided to join a group of social Latino dances. She made her first steps in this art with Dimitar Lazarov. She was captured by the fiery nature of the Latin dances and continued to visit the hall almost daily. What really differentiates Rally from the rest is her extreme positivity and her belief that the magic of the dance is expressed in the gentleness and artistry of the movements. In 2019 she was invited to participate in the Latin Force Junior Team, a project of Latin Force Dance Studio.
Ralitsa Petrova became an official part of the teaching staff of Latin Force in 2021, together with her dance partner – Petko Petkov (Pepso).
Petko Petkov (Pepso) was born and raised in Pleven. Music and dance became a part of his daily life in his early childhood. He began to develop his great potential at the age of 6, when he enrolled in folk dances and folk singing. A few years later, Pepso developed another passion – professional sports, and more specifically basketball. Sport teaches him a lot and builds in him qualities such as perseverance, hard work and endless dedication to everything he does. In 2018, he suffered a serious knee injury, which unfortunately led him to decide to stop playing basketball. Not long after, however, his old love of dance and music sparkled again after stumbling upon a Salsa lesson. The vigorous Latin rhythms kindle a real fire in his heart, and Salsa and Social dances become an integral part of his daily life.
Pepso started dancing in Trifon Trifonov’s school in Pleven, and quickly realised that he wanted to do this kind of Latin art not only as a hobby but also professionally. Pepso takes part in many Bulgarian festivals, and the thrill of stage performances motivates him to continue to develop. He gradually embraced his teaching potential by leading children’s groups in Reggaeton, whilst also taking part in the preparation process of several Salsa and Bachata groups.
In 2019, Pepso moved to Sofia to continue his education, where he was quickly noticed for his distinctive dancing style and radiant positivity. He became an official part of the teaching staff of Latin Force in October 2021 together with his dance partner – Ralitsa Petrova (Rally).
Borislav Toshkov is one of those people for whom sport is a way of life. In his early years, he was actively involved in football, folk dancing, cycling and fitness. Later on, during his studies at UACEG (2001-2006), he studied martial arts and their philosophy. In 2009, he accidentally came across Salsa, which has since become his great love. Passionate dancing and fiery Latin rhythms have made him an active part of the Salsa community, where he never misses an opportunity to dance and learn. The main styles in which he performs at festivals such as Fanta Dance Festival and Summer Salsa Festival are Salsa LA style and Bachata. After a long time searching, he found his Salsa home in the halls of Latin Force, where he continues to develop. Inspired by his desire to share the knowledge and dance experience, he started teaching in May 2017 and has been part of the Latin Force instructors’ team for several years now. An engineer by profession and a dancer at heart, he leads his classes with attention, precision and absolute dedication.
Zornitsa Petrova was born and raised in Sofia. She has been involved in musical arts since early childhood. She was accepted into the pop and jazz vocal class with leading singing assistant Dr Neli Marinkova at NBU in 2009. She attended ballet classes with Assoc. Dr. Zelka Tabakova, and acting with the director of the Plovdiv Opera Associate Nina Naydenova. She began her career as a singer and dancer in productions for famous companies in different parts of the world, where she worked with world-class choreographers. One of them is Karen Bruce, the choreographer of: “Saturday Night Fever”, “Fame”, “Footloose the musical”, The Bodyguard etc. Zornitsa participated in Bruce’s stage performance and Keith Cox’s produced and directed show “Kings and Queens”, in which there is a part that’s dedicated to the Salsa diva Celia Cruz. The show ignited a spark of love for Latin music, which in 2016 led her to the Latin Force halls, where she began to dance Salsa and Bachata with Ina and Zahari, and in 2020 became part of the instructors’ team.
Valentin Poromanski grew up in a family of musicians, and art has been a inseparable part of him over the years. From a very young age, he became an actor, taking part in many performances, some of which in the opera. At the age of 13, he started playing basketball and martial arts, moreover, his skateboarding skills are on a professional level which he continues to develop these days. A few years later he discovered his new vocation – a salsa dancer and instructor. He has participated in Bulgarian and international festivals as well as salsa competitions, some of which he wins. From February 2019, he joined the Latin Force instructors’ team with his partner Kristina, and they began teaching salsa together for the first time at the Latin Force halls.
Emilia Tzvetkova (Emi) – grew up in a family of dancers and choreographers, has discovered the magic of dance since she was young. As a child she has been dancing classical ballet, later becoming part of the modern ballet dance ensemble “Astra”, Blagoevgrad, where she participates in various festivals in Bulgaria and abroad. The Latin rhythms had always been her weakness, and the love for salsa sparkles from the very first dance. Together with the salsa, she also discovers the not so popular Zouk dance, which attracts her with the smooth moves and the specific music rhythm. Since 2013, Latin dances have become an indispensable part of her everyday life and little by little they have grown into a professional interest. As a Darvish Yoga Certified Instructor and other psycho-body practices, Emmy pays a great attention to connecting with the body and she identifies the dance as one of the best ways to do so.
Sergey Stalev (Serge) – his roots come from the cold Russian taiga but they are not an obstacle to devote his heart to the Latin rhythms. His first interest was in music which has quickly grown into an attraction to dancing, and since 2010 he has been exploring and dancing different styles of social dances. The Salsa remains the closest to its temperament, and in recent years he is devoted to developing in this direction. In parallel, he starts developing his skills in another attractive style – Zouk, and dreams of popularizing it among other dance lovers. Along with that, Serge has been performing martial arts for more than 10 years and is currently a Wing Chun assistant instructor. His interests complete each other and contribute to his development as a dancer and instructor.
Emi and Serge are part of the Latin Force Dance Studio Instructors’ team since the beginning of 2018.
Why should you enrol your child in a Bulgarian Folk Dances group?
Bulgarian folk dances are the best combination of sports and art. As trivial as it sounds – this is the most Bulgarian art. They have diverse and at the same time very typical rhythms and steps, taking just a small space. They are what make us unique as people and what we carry in our souls. And at the same time, the practice is similar to sports. All muscle groups of the human body take part in the dances. To put that in practice, by dancing, the child develops the entire musculoskeletal system. Through Bulgarian folk dances, children learn to love and relate to the Bulgarian heritage – music, songs, instruments, costumes, and through that to carry on the customs and traditions. This therefore establishes a general attitude towards culture. In addition, children are brought up to be independent and disciplined. Folk dances are an emotion first and then all the rest. And wherever there is art, there is entertainment.
Read more
Bulgarian Folk Dance Club “Horovodets” was established on 14th March 2011 by Irina Boteva. It is dedicated to the idea of developing, keeping and preserving the Bulgarian folk art. The club has participated in many festivals, fairs and concerts. Professional choreographers, friendly atmosphere, personal attitude to each individual.
If you want your child to develop a sense of rhythm, to develop a dance culture, a proper posture, to spend its endless energy on something really useful, the answer is – salsa! With us your child will discover the pleasure of dancing, meet many new friends, and where there is emotion – there is also fun!
Read more
The beginning of salsa is associated with the popular Cuban music and, in particular, with the Son Cubano, which became famous around the world in the 20s. This music style is the reason for the emergence of Latin dances. Salsa is a dance interpretation of one of the styles in the Son Cubano – Son Montuno, with a strong influence from the Dazzon, Mambo, Guaguan and other African-Cuban folk dances. Salsa is rediscovered and constantly changing, and today the dance is a rich mix of Latin-American styles and elements of the western dance culture.
Looking back, we can follow the story of the dance, filled with a lot of political and social conflicts. That’s why today in the salsa there are several different styles: Cuban (aka Casino), New York Style (or “Mambo on 2”), Los Angeles Style (LA Style, On 1), Colombian Salsa (Cali-Style “), Miami-Style Salsa. Salsa is usually danced in pairs, although there are solo variations, dancing in straight line (suelta), as well as Rueda de Casino, where several couples dance in circle and exchange their partners. Salsa can be danced as a choreography, free style, or “social” (improvisation).
Salsa is danced to music with a repeating rhythm of eight beats, for example two beats in four takts. Salsa schemes usually have three steps every four beats, one of which is missed, the so called pause. The missed beat is often marked by tapping, kicking, and so on. Typically, the music includes sophisticated drum beats and it is quite fast, about 180 beats per minute.
Social Latin dancing, included in the course for children: salsa, merengue, cha-cha.
Ralitsa Petrova (Rally) was born in Sofia. She describes herself as an artistic and creative person who has been involved in various activities related to professional sports, music and dance since she was a child. Rally began her dancing career at the age of six. She became acquainted with the magic of Sport dancing during her first months at school and she continues to attend the training throughout the whole year. Shortly afterwards, Rally fell in love with the beauty and elegance of Modern and Classical Ballet and enrolled in the Roberta Ballet School, where she danced for 4 years. There she received basic and advanced knowledge of dance as an art and also became familiar with elements of rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatics, hip-hop and contemporary dance. In 2010, she participated in ESDU DANCESTAR World Dance Masters in Porec, Croatia. Rally has a lot of experience on stage, she has participated in dance shows, music concerts and various children’s plays.
In 2012, Ralitsa stopped her dance career for a short period of time, as she was captivated by another passion – martial arts. She began to work hard and engage with Olympic Taekwondo, and after a few months she conquered some of the competitions, winning her first medals in international and Bulgarian tournaments. Sport undoubtedly builds her as a strong person who does not stop when she faces any difficulties and relies on her own will, perseverance and free spirit. Taekwondo has been an integral part of her life for the last 9 years, during which she has won national, Balkan and international titles. Ralitsa is currently a Taekwondo coach, training children and adults.
In Spring 2017, Rally decided to join a group of social Latino dances. She made her first steps in this art with Dimitar Lazarov. She was captured by the fiery nature of the Latin dances and continued to visit the hall almost daily. What really differentiates Rally from the rest is her extreme positivity and her belief that the magic of the dance is expressed in the gentleness and artistry of the movements. In 2019 she was invited to participate in the Latin Force Junior Team, a project of Latin Force Dance Studio.
Ralitsa Petrova became an official part of the teaching staff of Latin Force in 2021, together with her dance partner – Petko Petkov (Pepso).
Petko Petkov (Pepso) was born and raised in Pleven. Music and dance became a part of his daily life in his early childhood. He began to develop his great potential at the age of 6, when he enrolled in folk dances and folk singing. A few years later, Pepso developed another passion – professional sports, and more specifically basketball. Sport teaches him a lot and builds in him qualities such as perseverance, hard work and endless dedication to everything he does. In 2018, he suffered a serious knee injury, which unfortunately led him to decide to stop playing basketball. Not long after, however, his old love of dance and music sparkled again after stumbling upon a Salsa lesson. The vigorous Latin rhythms kindle a real fire in his heart, and Salsa and Social dances become an integral part of his daily life.
Pepso started dancing in Trifon Trifonov’s school in Pleven, and quickly realised that he wanted to do this kind of Latin art not only as a hobby but also professionally. Pepso takes part in many Bulgarian festivals, and the thrill of stage performances motivates him to continue to develop. He gradually embraced his teaching potential by leading children’s groups in Reggaeton, whilst also taking part in the preparation process of several Salsa and Bachata groups.
In 2019, Pepso moved to Sofia to continue his education, where he was quickly noticed for his distinctive dancing style and radiant positivity. He became an official part of the teaching staff of Latin Force in October 2021 together with his dance partner – Ralitsa Petrova (Rally).
Boriana is a longtime professional dancer, currently a professor of contemporary dance for children and adults. She has participated in numerous Bulgarian and international television and stage dance projects, films, videos and commercials. She graduated with an MBA in “Contemporary dance techniques” at the Art Academy in Plovdiv. In 2008 she began working as a children and sports animator. Over the past few years she focused on the choreographic and educational work with children at different ages. Her students have won medals at international dance festivals multiple times.
In order to keep the good shape of her body on stage and in the everyday life, Boryana discovered the “Pilates” method. The daily workouts turned into passion and she began working in several halls as an instructor and to lead individual workouts in Pilates and Kardiobalet. She has gained experience from some of the best instructors during various trainings and workshops. She has a certificate from the Union for Aerobics in Bulgaria and A.F. Studies Fitness School.
In the beginning of the 20th century dances emerge and form in the way we know them today, namely competitive dances or later called dance sport. They are divided into two main groups – Standard and Latin American, five dances in each.
Read more
Standard Dances:
English (slow) waltz – music proportions in ¾, tempo 28-30 beats per minute. It was performed for the first time in 1918. It originates from the American “boston”.
Tango – music proportions 4/4, moderately fast tempo 30-32 beats per minute. Origin – Argentina. In 1907. Paris held the first official contest tango.
Viennese waltz – musical size 3/4, moderately fast pace – 58-60 beats per minute. In 1813 it was denied as a dance, but it was impossible to stop its spread.
Foxtrot / Slowfox / – music proportions 4/4, the tempo is moderate 29-30 beats per minute. Origin – America, created by Harry Fox in 1910. One of the most popular dances.
Quickstep – music proportions 4/4, tempo fast – 50-52 beats per minute. American dance that appeared in Europe in the early 20s.
Latin American dances:
Samba – music proportions 2/4, moderately fast tempo 50-52 beats per minute. Homeland – Brazil. Fast paced dance with pulsing rhythm.
Cha-cha – music proportions 4/4, moderately fast pace – 30-32 beats per minute. They were created based on Cuban dances in 1953 in Havana – Cuba.
Rumba – music proportions 4/4, slow pace – 24-26 beats per minute. It is danced on a special kind of slow music called “rumba bolero.” It originates from Cuba.
PASODOBLE – music proportions 2/4, moderately fast pace – 58-60 beats per minute. The origin of the dance – Spain. It was performed during fiestas. It was first spread in Latin America, and later in Europe, but as competition dance.
Jive – music proportions 4/4, tempo fast – 40-44 beats per minute. It was known as “Boogie” in 1938, as “jitterbug” in 1940, as “bimbon” in 1945 – but it always had the same steps and movements. It gets the name “Jive” from the English. A decisive turning point in the performance and the movements of the Jive dance come between 1955 and 1957 with the debut of the “rock and roll” music.
The modern tendencies in the development of ballroom dancing are mainly in the direction of athleticism and dynamics. Despite the closeness to extreme sports, there is something very attractive, beautiful and enduring in them.
The social Latin dances, that are taught in courses for children: salsa, merengue, cha-cha.
Vladimir Bozhilov is one of the most prominent trainers and international judges of Sport dances in Bulgaria. One of the two founders of KSD “Brilliant”. Since 1978, he has participated in numerous international competitions, exams, congresses, festivals, seminars, workshops and training camps held in the country and abroad. He was also a judge in the popular dance show “Dancing Stars”. The contestants he has worked with over the years are multiple finalists and semi-finalists in regional and national championships, cups and international championships, as well as absolute champions of Bulgaria, the Balkans, European champions and semi-finalists in world championships in Sports dances and Salsa, this includes both individual championships for dance couples as well as in ensemble compositions (the first champions of Bulgaria in Latin American dance formations).
See more
– Higher Technical Diploma from “HIAC” majoring in Geodesy
– Higher Education Degree from “SWU” specialising in Choreographic direction and Pedagogy
Giving him the right to teach higher education classes in: Classical dances (Ballet), Contemporary dances (Street, Contemporary, Jazz, etc.), Folk dances and main specialisation in Sports dances (Ballroom Latin, Caribbean: Salsa, Merengue, Bachata ( Rock-n-roll Social, etc.)
– Sports Dance Judge category “A” and International judge category (IDSF).
– Sports Dance Instructor
– Latin dances Judge and Instructor
He has been practising Classical, Folk, Jazz, Latin, Social and Sports dances since 1976, and from 1987-1992 he has competed in class “M” (international) in ten dances – 5 standard (STT) and 5 Latin American (LAT) ).
He has participated in a huge number of competitions in the country and abroad, being a finalist in all the national championships since 1987. Since 1993, he has been competing as a professional dancer. Together with his partner Margarita Kraeva, he has won the championship title in Latin American dances.
He has been teaching since 1979, working in a wide range – from children to adults. As a result of his sports-pedagogical work in sports and Latin dances, he has trained multiple contestants who then became finalists and semi-finalists in regional and national championships, cups and international championships, as well as absolute champions of Bulgaria, the Balkans, European champions and semi-finalists in world championships in Sports dances and Salsa, this includes both individual championships for dance couples as well as in ensemble compositions (the first champions of Bulgaria in Latin American dance formations).
He became a judge for the first time in 1984. Since then, he has been a judge at numerous regional and national championships, qualifiers, cups and championships in Bulgaria and abroad. He has attended all the seminars related to refereeing, and he himself organised the first specialised one, at which for the first time referee books were handed out to all fellow members of the SD of the BGDSF. Actively participates in building the image of the judges and in creating the necessary paperwork for their work. He is currently working on his book on the theory of adjudication and related issues.
In 2008, he was invited to be the chairman of the Judges’ commission in the popular dance show “Dancing Stars”, and since then he has participated in the dance reality formats “Vip Dance”, “Bailando” and “Play Me”.
Every year since the year in which he founded KSD, “Brilliant” he organises a national competition, as well as “Rising Stars Competition” and “Brilliant Saturday”. He has already organised the “Brilliant Awards” ceremony four times – a unique event that promotes not only Sports dance contestants, but also their coaches and improves the image of sports dance not only in our country, but also abroad.
Dilyana Popova (Didi) is performing dance sport for 14 years. She competes in a number of Bulgarian and international competitions (Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the most prestigious tournament in the world – Blackpool in England). She has developed her skills attending numerous seminars and she has been trained by some of the highest ranked coaches in the dance sport field from Denmark and Slovenia. She gained even more knowledge of the dance sport thanks to the world champions in Latin American dances, the amateurs Troels Baer and Ina Zhelyazkova (Denmark).
She graduated NSA with a major in “Coach Dance Sport” and also “Spanish Philology” at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski “. This preparation made her extremely good at her work with children’s groups and her work with pairs that take part in competitions.
Dilyana part of the Latin Force Team.
How do the lessons with Dilyana proceed you can see HERE 😉
Classical ballet is the most graceful and beautiful dance! It develops musicality, coordination, dance culture, posture, and harmoniously developed muscles. It teaches children discipline, diligence and self-esteem both on stage and in real life. Your child will find the pleasure from the dance, the beauty of movement and the delightful music will develop its plasticity, creativity, sense for aesthetics!
Read more
The European Ballet originated in the Renaissance under the form of ballroom and folk dances. The first show with a storyline was performed in 1581 in France, Ballet of the Italian Baltazarini. Important stage in the development of ballet is the opening of the Royal Academy of Dance in Paris in 1661. Contribution to the Western European ballet have Jean-Georges Noverre, Philip Talyoni Maria Talyoni, Jules Perrot, August Bournonville, Fannie Elsler Jean Coralli, Lucille Grand. In Russia, ballet occurs in the second half of the 17th century and develops in 19-20th century. Outstanding contribution for the development of the Russian ballet school have Charles Louis Diddley, MI Petipa, Lev Ivanov, Anna Pavlova, Mikhail Fokin, Sergei Diaghilev. Ballet in the UK (London Royal Ballet) and the United States was established in the 20th century. Famous names that appear in the development of contemporary ballet are Isadora Duncan, George Balanchine, Martha Graham, Maurice Béjart and others.
TIARA Classical Ballet Studio offers ballet training for children between 4 and 11 years old, based on the Russian methodology – Vaganova. The ballet exercise is adapted to the children’s age and the little insecure steps very quickly become dancing ones!
The school teaches over 160 children who get to know the ballet art and create! The studio opens in 2015 with the artistic director Nina Gachevska – a professional ballerina and pedagogue, who graduated from the National School of Dancing Arts with a major in “Classic Ballet” in 2005. and a major in “Ballet Pedagogy” at the National Academy of Music “Prof. Pancho Vladigerov “in 2010.
The school year begins in early September and finishes at the end of June. The stage performances of the children are an important part of the calendar of the creative year – solo performances and concerts, participation in competitions and festivals, participation in TV shows. Previous students in the school have been awarded with a number of awards from different forums.
The motto of the studio for classical ballet Tiara is “Because behind every successful ballet dancer stands the support, patience and love!“
The contemporary dance combines different styles such as classical and modern ballet, jazz, hip-hop, MTV, disco, ballet show. Choreographies are based on modern popular music and they are suitable for both girls and boys of different age groups. The variety of dancing techniques enable children to develop their sense of rhythm and dynamics to mobilize their bodies, and together with that boost their creativity and imagination. Besides showing the individual qualities of the child, modern dance enriches the social communication and the children develop their team work skills. Theater and television musicals, variety of show programs, music videos of popular artists are all based on modern dance.
Boriana is a longtime professional dancer, currently a professor of contemporary dance for children and adults. She has participated in numerous Bulgarian and international television and stage dance projects, films, videos and commercials. She graduated with an MBA in “Contemporary dance techniques” at the Art Academy in Plovdiv. In 2008 she began working as a children and sports animator. Over the past few years she focused on the choreographic and educational work with children at different ages. Her students have won medals at international dance festivals multiple times.
In order to keep the good shape of her body on stage and in the everyday life, Boryana discovered the “Pilates” method. The daily workouts turned into passion and she began working in several halls as an instructor and to lead individual workouts in Pilates and Kardiobalet. She has gained experience from some of the best instructors during various trainings and workshops. She has a certificate from the Union for Aerobics in Bulgaria and A.F. Studies Fitness School.
Hip-Hop is a dancing style that is performed under Hip-Hop music and it is developed as a part of the Hip-Hop culture. It includes many styles such as breaking, locking and popping, which began to develop in the 70s, thanks to African-Americans and Hispanics. What distinguishes this style from the rest is the possibility of full and free improvisation, allowing the dancers to express themselves. Put in other words – there are no restrictions in Hip-Hop! This style is the representation of the free spirit of the street culture. From the establishment of Hip-Hop until now there have occurred many famous and proven styles, each of them combines unique movements.
Korean pop or K-pop is a music genre that includes many styles of South Korean pop music including various areas of dance music, electro pop, hip-hop and contemporary rhythm and blues. According to the author of the American music magazine Rolling Stone, K-pop is “a mixture of fashionable Western music and high-energy Japanese pop” (J-pop), which “catches listeners with its repetitive playful phrases, often in English”. K-pop “follows the line of mixing styles, combining singing, rap and emphasises specially on performance and powerful visual effects”.
Read more
K-pop is not just music, but also a subculture, popular amongst young people around the world. It is attractive because of its modern-sounding songs, which have easy-to-remember phrases in English. The music videos are colourful and fun, and each song has its own choreography which the artists perform on stage.
Dancing is an inseparable part of k-pop. When groups dance and sing, they often change positions quickly. K-pop choreography often includes “Point dance”, which consists of repetitive movements. These basic movements stand out, are easy to remember and match with the lyrics.
Simona Doganova started dancing when she discovered K-pop culture back in 2012. At the end of 2014, she founded the group D.I.Y. She won second, third and special prizes at KPOP World Festival Bulgaria with it, as well as first prize at Animes Expo. She’s been a judge for the Elite Dance Championship competition in K-pop dances management for the period 2019-2022 as well as for Animes World Stars in 2021 and 2022. In November 2022, she won first place with D.I.Y at the second edition of World of Dance Bulgaria 2022 in the K-pop Minicrew category. She continues to develop her skills by being involved with Hip-hop and High heels dance.
From September 2020, D.I.Y becomes a part of the dance family of one of the most developed street and modern dance schools in Bulgaria – DA Clique. From October 2020 she started leading K-pop classes at Latin Force.
Taekwondo is a martial art that originated in Korea. As one of the most practiced martial arts, with over 70 million trainees in the world, it is a national sport of Korea and an Olympic sport. Tae – means foot, kwon – means “fist or hand”, and do means “way” or “a way of doing something”. In this way, taekwondo is often translated as “the art of punching or kicking” or “the way of hitting with hands and feet.” Taekwondo is a combination of martial arts, self-defense, sport, exercise, fun and a philosophy.
Read more
Taekwondo is based on the ancient code of the ideal citizen, defended by the earliest taekwondo fighters: patriotism, filial piety, honour and integrity, courage in battle, and justice in the use of force. Taekwondo practitioners in today’s world also strive for these same ideals. Through exercise, they try to achieve harmony of the body and mind, invincible strength of spirit. Even with its rapid modernization, Taekwondo has developed under the traditional Confucian ideology of respect for ritual, human relationships, and moral behaviour. Taoist and Buddhist philosophy also influence Taekwondo. Buddhist philosophy emphasizes on the search for an aesthetic life and self-cultivation, while Taoist philosophy provides a way for a deeper understanding of the techniques and training that emphasizes on the natural principles.
“Tao” or “Do” in Taekwondo is difficult to explain. In general, “Do” is the right way to do something. When the body moves naturally according to the given situation, we say that a certain skill has been mastered. In Taekwondo, when the movements are performed according to the needs of the given situation, we say that the practitioner has experienced a moment of harmony between themselves and the opponent. In this way, we do not see our opponent as an enemy, but rather as a potential intermediary for creating a masterpiece, just as the sculptor sees not just a piece of stone, but the work of art waiting to be created. When approached in this way, Taekwondo is filled with potential philosophical and educational values. The moment for the right action is extremely important, not only because of the fact that at this moment one’s technique and spirit are right, but also because at this moment they have entered the state of “Do”. When a person experiences this harmony constantly, it feels as if the doors of higher understanding open before him and in these moments it seems to us that nothing is impossible.
Ralitsa Petrova was born in Sofia. From an early age she loved the active lifestyle and sports, and at the age of six she began to engage with sports dances for a bit, and then modern ballet (4 years). At the age of 12, she encountered the amazing world of Taekwondo for the first time. This sport completely captivated her and she started training at Dimitar Avramov’s hall, where her younger brother also started going. The intensity, beauty and strength of Taekwondo quickly captured her heart, and the intense training and the desire to succeed became her way of living. In 2013, Ralitsa participated in her first sparring competition (Omega Cup, Belgrade) and won 2nd place amongst the cadets, and then competed in the Dacic Trophy, Romania, where she grabbed the gold medal. There are a number of successful international tournaments such as: Moldova Open, G1 Tournament (2014), where Ralitsa takes the honourable 2nd place in girls up to 55 kg, International Taekwondo Championship M2, Croatia (2nd place, girls up to 55 kg), Sofia Open (3rd place, girls up to 55 kg) and Skopje Trophy (1st place). In 2015 she became a state champion in the girls category, and then won the gold medal at the State Championship for men and women under 21. That same year, Ralitsa achieved another success in her career and became the vice-Balkan champion of the Balkan Taekwondo Championships, Serbia. Two more medals from Balkan championships followed: 3rd place in women up to 57 kg (Turkey, 2017), and 3rd place in women up to 62 kg (Romania, 2018).
Ralitsa is a 5-time state champion and has won numerous medals from Bulgarian and international competitions. She has a 2nd DAN black belt, certified by the World Taekwondo Center in the Republic of Korea “Kukkiwon”. She has participated in European championships and international camps and tournaments in Germany, the Netherlands, Turkey, Latvia, etc., where she had the opportunity to compete and train with some of the most successful taekwondo athletes in the world. She says that Taekwondo will remain in her heart forever because this beautiful sport has taught her discipline, will and determination.
These are just some of the reasons why after the end of her career as a competitor, Rally is a valuable part of the coaching staff of Taekwondo Fitness NSA and with her competence and care for the trainees she will continue to lead the athletes to new successes.
More successes:
Taekwondo Fitness NSA is one of the leading Olympic taekwondo clubs in the country. It is a development center for over 400 Taekwondo fighters, Taekwondo Fitness NSA is home to many champions, amongst which the most prominent ones are Nikol Chorbanova – five-time medalist of European Championships, Borislav Naidenov – bronze medalist of the World Championship in technical breaking in the Republic of Korea, Ralitsa Petrova – Balkan vice-champion in the sparring discipline.
The club is led by Dimitar Avramov, doctor of sports science and Taekwondo instructor at the National Sports Academy “Vasil Levski”, who together with eight of the most prominent athletes of the club reached the finals of the Bulgaria’s got talent show in 2021 as part of the national demonstration Taekwondo team.
Taekwondo Fitness NSA offers training programs to increase the technical levels in Taekwondo – groups (belts), participation in competitions, demonstrations and sports camps, along with physical and technical skills in the club, the also take care of the education of trainees in etiquette and code of honour of Taekwondo. Discipline, respect, self-control, perseverance and an invincible spirit are the principles on which the training in the club is based.
