The horo dances of the people of the Rhodope Mountains are smooth, broad and with accentuated solid steps. Squatting and kneeling are essential part, especially as to the slow Rhodopes p ravo (straight) horo dances, and are very often accompanied by loud whoops. In the Rhodopes, they also dance accompanied with songs; either a men or women group is singing the song, and then another group takes on, etc. Men dance more freely, with large steps, while women dance in a closed circle with dancers tightly lined up next to each other.
Music and Dances performed by National Folklore Ensemble "Philip Kutev"
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A few are the musical instruments resounding the Rhodopes, e.g. bagpipes (kaba), tambourine, kaval (i.e. shepherd's pipe/wooden flute). The most common musical instrument in the Rhodopes, which is typical for the region, is "kaba" bagpipe (a. low-pitched single drone one).
The Rhodopes female costume is of the sukman type. It consists of a jacket, sukman, а bodice with sleeves, an apron. The male costume is of the black-cloth type. It comprises a white shirt, a sleeveless vest, outerwear (“dolanma”), and full- bottomed breeches.
"Vecherjay, Rado", performed by National Folklore Ensemble "Philip Kutev"
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Svornato horo is a horo dance of the Bulgarian Rhodopes folklore region, and is in 9/8 time.
Svornato Horo performed by "Philip Kutev" National Folklore Ensemble
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The Bulgarian folk song "Izlel e Delyu Haydutin" (Delyu Became A Haiduk) by the Bulgarian folk music singer Valya Balkanska was sent in deep space on the board of the US Space Probe - Voyager I, as part of a collection of our civilization's finest cultural artifacts - a message to an alien intelligence.
