About Balkan

I have participated in Door County Folk Dance Festival (DCFF) in the last 4 years. This year, DCFF introduced something new and unique--The Culture Session, specifically with a presenter Marti Koenig from NY.

Marti used to be a history instructor at New York City. Due to his interest in Balkan culture, he became a Balkan dance and culture instructor at a college in New York City. He secured a Smithsonian grant to visit Balkan countries several times in the past 15 years. He produced books, CD and DVD through his culture research at Balkan countries.

He presented his research in consecutive 3 days: Day 1, general description; Day 2, photo and audio clips. Day 3, video clips and films.

What makes Balkan unique? What makes Balkan dances interesting?

Balkan countries includes Macedonia,Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Bosnia. The people there are Europeans. However, these countries have been occupied by Turks as part of Ottoman Empire. Thus, there is a culture cross fertilization between Western and Eastern cultures making their music unique flavor. Additionally, this is the region where three major faiths, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim intersects. Culture interactions or cross-firing is inevitable. They reflect in their music and dance as well.

Balkan dances are earthy, i.e. there is a strong identification between the people and the land. The dance is for farmers, peasants and for common ordinary dance unlike court dances which are for royal or for noble people.

All those reasons making Balkan dances the most popular dance in DCFF.