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Georgi Iliev was born in Gabra in the Šop region of Bulgaria, into a family of musicians and dancers. He has done a lot to preserve traditional dancing in Bulgarian villages. Since 1946 Georgi has been dancing in local ensembles with which he has won five first prizes at three national dance competitions. The Gabra Folkloren Ensemble, which he founded, has won many gold medals at Koprivštica National Festival, as far back as 1967. Georgi has also taught at the Eastern European Folklore Center summer camps in the US. Georgi, both earthy and energetic, has been a tremendous hit at all his appearances in the United States. Several of his dances have made their way to the U.S. already.
Jordanka Ilieva was born in the village of Borika, Sofia region and grew up singing and dancing with her family. She went to Sofia at a young age to sing with the Šopski Ensemble. She and her husband, Georgi, returned to Gabra and founded the Gabra Folkloren Ensemble which has performed at the Koprivštica Folk Festival, throughout Europe, and for the former president of Bulgaria. Jordanka has received six gold medals for her solo performances at Koprivštica and has received wide acclaim for her recordings.
Georgi and Jordanka have a son, Petur.
Dances Georgi and Yordana have taught include
Graovsko
and
Lili Lili.
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