HUBAVITSI

Hubavitsi is a Bulgarian youth folk dance group with members ranging from 11-16 years old. We are part of the St. Cyril and Methodius Bulgarian Heritage Language School in Vancouver, British Columbia. We perform traditional dances from across the beautiful regions of Bulgaria as well as more contemporary renditions to continue to grow the love of dance and spread the beauty of our culture with our community.

Contact: Didi Krasteva
Email: diana_krasteva@yahoo.ca

KUKER

Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great honor and excitement that we introduce to you Kuker Hristo Popov, a dedicated guardian of this ancient Bulgarian tradition. Hristo carries forward the legacy of his father and his ancestors, embodying the spirit, energy, and cultural richness of the kukeri rituals.

Clad in an elaborate costume adorned with intricate designs and a mask that evokes both awe and mystery, Hristo’s presence is a powerful reminder of the Thracian roots of this tradition. The large bells attached to his belt will resonate with the timeless sound that has echoed through Bulgarian villages for centuries, driving away evil spirits and bringing blessings of health, prosperity, and joy.

As Hristo dances, he will follow the unique rhythm of the kuker, moving with intention and passion, creating a performance that is both deeply personal and universally captivating. Each jump, swing, and step is a testament to the enduring power of Bulgarian folklore and the dedication of those who keep it alive.

Please join us in welcoming Kuker Hristo Popov as he takes the stage to share this extraordinary tradition with us. Let the bells ring, the spirits flee, and the blessings flow!

Contact: Hristo Popov (Chris)
Email: kuker.canada@gmail.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbjx0Rcl4aTDVWAgReCZnGg
What is this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kukeri

ZORNITZA

Bulgarian Folk Dance Ensemble ZORNITZA

What started off as a small group of enthusiasts has now become one of the best ensembles performing Bulgarian traditional dances in the British Columbia area. Since opening its doors in 2021, ZORNITZA Dance Ensemble has managed to captivate the hearts of audiences with a variety of quality performances.

Being part of the ensemble allows Bulgarian youth and adults in the Vancouver area the opportunity to embrace their culture and heritage in a positive, supportive atmosphere. Participation in the group enables our youth and adults to gather, socialize, make new friendships, travel, have fun, and become part of the larger Bulgarian community in Vancouver.

Contact: Snezhana Ignatova
Email: zornitza.dance@gmail.com
https://www.zornitza.ca/
https://www.youtube.com/@zornitzavancouver

FOLK MISTERIA

Bulgarian Dance Group

Folk Misteria was founded in 2022 by a passionate group of women brought together by their love for Bulgarian culture, music, and dance. The group was established to provide intermediate and advanced dancers with a platform to showcase their talents, deepen their skills, and celebrate the vibrant traditions of Bulgaria. With each step, we strive for excellence—bringing to life a standard of dance that is both polished and soul-stirring, echoing the spirit and elegance of Bulgaria. Our mission is to present Bulgarian culture at its finest, sharing its beauty with the diverse communities of North America while preserving the cherished heritage of the Bulgarian diaspora.

Contact: Dimitrina Zarkova
Email: dimitrinazark@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/share/16SsvsFUSJ/

DAYANA

She is well known as Dayana. This is her artistic pseudonym. Her name is Diana Dimova. She played the accordion until the 4th grade. Later she graduated from the secondary school of music in the town of Shiroka Luka, Bulgaria. Diana then graduated from the university of Sofia and got her master’s degree. Her musical career began with the release of her first solo album „Right on Target“ in 2006, followed by numerous concerts and performances in the country and abroad. Today she lives here in Canada with her family and 2 wonderful children, now she will present us one of her favorite folk songs recorded with her own arrangement and video called “ Singing Nightingale“.

Contact: Diana Dimova
Email: dayanadimova@abv.bg

KITKA

The folk-dance group “KITKA”, currently led by Sacha Kayriamova, was first established in 2003. Over the years Kitka has had many different members and choreographers, but their goal has always remained the same. They strive to preserve the Bulgarian traditions they cherish so deeply, and share them with the world through their performances. With every performance, the dancers from „Kitka“ manage to win the hearts of the audience with their diverse folk rhythms, colorful costumes, and radiant spirit. Today, they will perform a medley of Bulgarian dances inspired by regions all across Bulgaria.

Please welcome the wonderful dancers from “Kitka”!

Contact: Daniela Dobreva
Email: bulgariandancekitka@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/357188221796

Dr. Kosta Bozhinov

Dr. Kosta Bozhinov is an accordion player, specializing in folk music. He holds a PhD in musicology and has recorded music for Hollywood movie productions and best-selling video games. Kosta is currently studying law at the Peter Allard School of Law at UBC.

Contact: Dr. Kosta Bozhinov
Email: kosta_bozhinov@hotmail.com
www.YouTube.com/UncleKosta
www.konstantin-bozhinov.com

Gencho Kalaykov

Gencho Kalaykov is an automation engineer with hobby drums. He discovered the folk drum davul for the first time here in Canada. He likes to accompany any acoustic music, especially Bulgarian folk, rock and jazz.

Contact: Gencho.Kalaykov@gmail.com

Nadya Shishenska

Nadya Shishenska has graduated secondary school ‘’St. St. Cyril and Methodius” where she studied Bulgarian folk music and songs for twelve years. She was also part of the youth folk ensemble “Tsviat” for nine years in her home town of Vidin, Bulgaria.

She has been performing on different stages and in different festivals in Bulgaria and abroad from the age of six.

She was a flight attendant in one the biggest airlines in the world Emirates in Dubai for seven years. At that time she became part of the folklore club “Zdravetz” where with other Bulgarian musicians created and recorded authentic music and songs that became part of the repertoire of the club.

The passion for travelling and the love for the Bulgarian folk music drives her to always find people like her who cherish and honour our Bulgarian traditions.

Contact: Nadya Shishenska
Email: nadyashishenska@yahoo.com