Bulgarian folk dance regions: Rhodopes

Courtesy of www.eliznik.co.uk

The Rhodope mountain area is known more for its strong tradition of open throat singing than for its dances. The dance style has been subject to religious influences as this is the area of Bulgaria which has the largest Muslim population. This has meant that men and women usually dance separately. The style for both is subdued and heavy, with small steps and low hops using the whole foot. Hands are joined in low or "W" hold. Women's dances are usually accompanied by songs.