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The Department of Choreography with collective Varna Award on the Eve of its 30th Anniversary
23 Април 2025
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The Varna Municipal Council approved the nomination of the Choreography major at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” for the collective Varna Award in the field of humanities for 2025. The nomination is for overall contribution and significant achievements in educational, scientific research and artistic activities. The distinction goes to the scientific team consisting of Prof. Dr. Maria Kardzhieva, Prof. Dr. Katya Kairyakova and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivaylo Ivanov, who, with their academic and artistic dedication, establish the major, the university and Varna as a key center in the field of choreography in Bulgaria.For 30 years, the Choreography major has been a pearl in the university crown. It has trained over 400 professionals in the art of dance, who have found fulfillment in key ensembles, cultural institutions and educational structures in the country and abroad. The training combines theoretical training and stage practice, with students participating in a number of events from the cultural life of Varna. The major maintains its own exclusive academic staff of graduates from the specialty - assistant professors, associate professors and professors. A special place in the development of the major is occupied by the Academic Dance Theater, which is a kind of laboratory for student creativity and an experiment in the field of choreography.
The Choreography major develops education through culture and art, while preserving Bulgarian folklore. The participation of students in a number of events and projects forms an active community of students, undergraduates, doctoral students, teachers and artists, united by continuity and the desire for development.
Among the initiatives that stand out in the artistic production of the collective are the traditional concerts dedicated to March 3rd, which fill Hall 1 of the Festival and Congress Center in the Maritime Capital, as well as joint projects with the National Folklore Ensemble "Philip Koutev", the Kapan Ensemble - Razgrad, the professional folklore ensemble "Strandzha", the ensemble "Shumen", etc. The work with students goes beyond the curriculum and forms an active community of young artists, teachers, researchers and alumni, in which Bulgarian folklore is preserved and developed.
The nomination of Varna Free University was supported by a number of established people and institutions, which emphasizes the professionalism and significant impact of the collective's activities. Dr. Hristo Dimitrov, Chairperson of the Board of the Association of Choreographers in Bulgaria, expressed his conviction and professional respect for the lecturers and pointed to their scientific dedication and artistic culture. Georgi Andreev, director of the National Folklore Ensemble “Philip Koutev”, emphasized their role in the preparation of choreographers who work in elite ensembles and cultural centers. Mario Egov, chief artistic director of the National Folklore Ensemble “Strandzha”, emphasized the contribution of the major to the development of stage folklore art in the country and highlighted the creative output of the team. Vera Stoykova, director of the State Puppet Theater – Varna, talked about the successful joint projects in which lecturers and students demonstrated professionalism, imagination and stage sensitivity. Emil Gruev, director of Secondary School for Humanities and Arts "Konstantin Preslavski" - Varna emphasized the historical role of the major in dance education in Bulgaria and its contribution to the musical and dance art.
All reviews are united around the understanding that the activity of the Choreography major is key to the cultural and educational environment of the city of Varna and the country.
Congratulations to our colleagues, we wish them success!