Extracurricular activities
Children don’t just learn about Bulgaria — they feel it as part of who they are
We believe the bond with Bulgaria is built through experience: through traditions, music, dance and community. Our extracurricular activities give children a natural and enjoyable way into Bulgarian culture — to develop new skills, make friendships and strengthen the connection with their Bulgarian roots.
For the 2026/2027 school year we offer two strands: “Bulgaria — traditions, customs and culture” and “Bulgarian folk dance”. Taking part is entirely optional — every child can join according to their own interests.
Strand 1
Bulgarian folk dance
The richness of Bulgarian folklore, within arm’s reach. Step by step the children master the basic movements and horo circle dances of the different folklore regions, develop a sense of rhythm, coordination and stage presence, and learn to dance together as a group.
The sessions are led by the director of the “7/8” Dance Ensemble, who has experience both with children and with teaching Bulgarian folk dance to adults — beginners and advanced dancers alike.
Open to every child. A child does not need to be an enrolled pupil at Azbukarche to join “Bulgarian folk dance” — every child who wants to dance and to be part of the Bulgarian community in Glasgow is welcome.
Sessions may include
- the basic steps and movements of Bulgarian folk dance
- horo circle dances from the different folklore regions of Bulgaria
- an introduction to the characteristic rhythms and music
- work on coordination, balance and a sense of rhythm
- group dances and teamwork
- preparing performances for school celebrations and events
- an introduction to Bulgarian traditional costumes and the customs surrounding dance
Through the music and the horo, children come to know traditions passed down over generations. Folk dance builds confidence, discipline, friendships and teamwork — and performing at school celebrations gives the children a chance to show what they have learned, with pride, to their families and the wider community.
“7/8” — named after the irregular 7/8 metre that carries some of the best-loved Bulgarian horo dances.
Strand 2
“Bulgaria — traditions, customs and culture”
Children get to know Bulgaria in an engaging, accessible and hands-on way: its customs, holidays, traditions and cultural heritage — through conversation, creative activities, games, music, themed projects and taking part in school events.
Sessions may cover topics such as
- Bulgarian folk holidays and customs
- Christmas Eve, Christmas, Baba Marta, Lazarus Saturday, Palm Sunday and Easter
- traditional costumes, embroidery and folk crafts
- traditional trades and objects from everyday Bulgarian life
- Bulgarian folk music and folklore
- traditional dishes and culinary customs
- the legends, stories and symbols of Bulgaria
- well-known Bulgarian places, regions and local traditions
- family and community celebrations
- modern Bulgaria and the link between past and present
Particular emphasis is placed on taking part: the children paint, make survachki (decorated cornel twigs) and martenitsi, prepare themed projects, re-enact customs and share what they have learned with their families and classmates.
The aim is that children growing up outside Bulgaria build a stronger bond with their roots and a sense of belonging to the Bulgarian community — a bond that can be preserved and passed on to the generations that follow. Learning about Bulgaria becomes something they live.
Enrolment
Sign your child up for an extracurricular activity
Send us your details and we will be in touch with everything you need to know about the sessions.
How to sign up
The sign-up form for extracurricular activities is on the Bulgarian version of this page. It is written in Bulgarian, and it takes only a couple of minutes to complete. If you would rather write to us in English, please use the contact page and we will reply with all the details.