Folk Dance Music of Bulgaria Bulgaria is a relatively small country but contains a wide variety of folk dance styles. I believe this is the main reason why Bulgarian dances are so popular among international folk dancers. Bulgaria is located in southeastern Europe and is surrounded by Romania, Serbia, Macedonia, Greece and Turkey. First we will give a brief introduction to Bulgaria and its folklore regions, then we will introduce some folk instruments and describe each folklore region one by one. Bulgaria has a population of 7.4 million people and occupies approximately 42,800 square meters. In 1218, it was one of the largest countries in Europe under Ivan Asen II who named the Second Bulgarian Empire. However, the decline of the Empire led to Bulgaria's loss of independence and it became a state of the Ottoman Empire. With the help of the Soviet Union, it became independent again in 1908. Until 1989 he abandoned communism and applied parliamentary democracy. Bulgarian folk music is a significant part of Bulgarian culture. There are six folklore regions: Dobruja, Thrace, Pirin, Sofia Region - Shopluk, Rhodopes and Northern Bulgaria - Moesia. Folk Music Folk music is used to celebrate holidays such as Christmas, New Year, Midsummer, and the Feast of St. Lazarus. . It is also part of personal celebrations such as weddings. Songs sung by women at work celebrations such as sedenka and engagement ceremonies are also popular music. Bulgarian folk music was characterized by “asymmetrical” rhythms, which are the combination of fast and slow rhythms. Each type of basic folk dance uses a distinct combination of rhythmic units but varies from region to region. Popular instrument Gaida is a kind of aerophone with goatskin bagpipes. There are two types of gaida: Thracian gai...... middle of paper...... related to their lifestyle. There are many basic steps known throughout the country, but they vary from region to region. Bulgarian folk music is rich and original. Each region has its own history and characteristics, such as traditional costumes and musical rhythms. It has become increasingly popular in traditional music as ensembles or groups carry folk music around the world such as the Bulgarian State Television Women's Vocal Choir which was awarded a Grammy Award in 1990. Reference:Bulgarian Myth and Folklore Resources [Online] http:/ /www.spellintime.fsnet.co.uk/Folklore_Section_Resources.htm The Alien Diaries by Katley Adventures in Balkan Music and Folklore [Online] http://katleyplanetbg.blogspot.hk/ Website for Balkan Forklore [Online] http://www .eliznik.co.uk/ Music of the Peoples of the World [Book] by William AlvesYoutube Dance Video [Online]