zharava > home
The Bulgarian folk-dance ensemble Zharava was established in January, 2007. Within its first six months, the group gathered more than 20 enthusiastic members, including natives of Bulgaria, Russia and the U.S. The fire in each member’s heart is implied by the group’s name: Zharava - 'burning embers.' The group carries this energy into all its performances and workshops.
Zharava's mission is to preserve the rich Bulgarian folk-dance tradition, and to enhance the awareness of Bulgarian folk arts (including dance, music, song and rhythm) throughout the U.S. and the world. The Artistic Director of Zharava is a longtime professional folk dance instructor and choreographer, Desi Jordanoff. The organization aims to advance its mission through performance and participation in dance and music festivals, through delivering training and workshops, through organizing student performances, and through holding recreational dance events. With all these activities, Zharava tries to educate people and create community through the experience of Bulgarian folklore. Zharava workshops include selections from the rich dance styles belonging to all ethnographically defined regions of Bulgaria.
Zharava is currently implementing affiliated educational and apprentice programs to realize its mission. The group already has a strong core of students, who have advanced through vigorous training during the past two years. Recently, a second-tier beginners’ group has been formed to continue bringing new students into the group for 2009. This beginners’ group follows three specific tracks of training to learn the particular dance styles, techniques, and rhythms of individual regions of Bulgaria. Students are expected to demonstrate the color, rhythm and footwork of each region to the community. Part of this training involves studying authentic folk traditions brought from villages in Bulgaria.
In its second year of existence, Zharava has demonstrated an increasing level of acquired knowledge and skill. It has also garnered great support in the arts communities in greater metropolitan Washington, DC. The group delivered more than twenty presentations at workshops, FSGW’s Minifest, Balktoberfest, and other festivals and community events in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. In addition, the group has participated in multiple presentations on behalf of organizations, such as the Annual Celebration of Cultures held by the World Bank Group, celebrations held by the Bulgarian Community Center of greater Washington, DC, and events organized by the Embassy of Bulgaria.
Zharava’s most recent accomplishment is a successful pilot project to establish and develop an affiliate group at the University of Richmond. Founded in the fall of 2007, Zharava Richmond has attracted more than 30 members, including Bulgarian and international students, who continue to express their passion and love for Bulgarian folk dance. Zharava Richmond held its first dance demonstrations in the Spring of 2008 at festivals and events at the University. Zharava, Washington, DC is conducting regular workshops to help Zharava, Richmond excel, and to expand the educational opportunities offered by the group.