I met Daniela in 2012 during her first visit to Brigham Young University (BYU). I was introduced to her by former colleague Ed Austin. I invited her to set a Bulgarian choreography on the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble, of which I was a new artistic director. We discussed different ideas which were based on my request to include something humorous that could also represent a new Bulgarian area of representation for us. Daniela proposed this idea of focusing on the northeastern Danubian dance styles that would include the story of “The Gorgeous.”
I was impressed with Daniela’s knowledge and skills in Bulgarian dance and music from the beginning. She is meticulous in any project she sets her mind to, and I appreciate her combination of practical skills but also her very accomplished research and writing skills. She is one who is eager to share these skills and knowledge through meaningful collaborations. Daniela wrote a libretto entitled “The Gorgeous” that became the base of her choreographic work for BYU, an 8:00 min. medley of this comical story coupled with a large dance piece representing a gathering and celebration in the village square.
Daniela worked with the student performers for 12+ hours as she taught them the Danubian dance style and choreographic elements. She was kind and encouraging in her interactions with the students. They were eager to learn from her and responded quickly to her coaching. She is one who understands music structure and texture and was able to teach difficult rhythmic step patterns to the students quickly. Her clear demonstrations and dance skills made it easy for the students to learn from her. She communicated her goals clearly and efficiently. Daniela’s expertise and cultural sharing had a deep impact on student learning.
Daniela is immensely versatile as she not only came to BYU as a guest choreographer, but also presented a lecture, master classes, and facilitated bringing original Bulgarian costumes to us for her piece. She collaborated with Bulgaria’s finest musicians from the Philip Koutev National Folk Ensemble to record the music for her piece. She is a musician, a dancer, a researcher, a writer, and a dancechoreologist.
Most impressive is Daniela’s personable and genuine way of relating with others. The faculty and students at BYU were all benefactors of her willingness to share her expertise of cultural knowledge and identity with us.
Jeanette Geslison
BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble | Artistic Director
