Tanya Dimitrov's (tandimitrov.wixsite.com/tanyadimitrov) journey into the world of dance began at the age of six in the small village of Petarch, Bulgaria, where traditional music and dance were a vibrant part of daily life. Inspired by her father, who instilled in her a profound love for Bulgarian culture, Tanya knew from an early age that dance was her true calling — the only path she ever wished to follow. She pursued this passion with unwavering dedication, training at the prestigious National School of Dance Art in Sofia, Bulgaria, with a specialization in Bulgarian folk dances. Tanya continued her education, earning an MFA in Dance from the Academy of Music, Dance, and Fine Arts in Bulgaria, an MFA in Dance from Arizona State University, an MA in Creative Enterprise and Cultural Leadership from ASU, and a Masters degree in Business Economics from the University of Plovdiv. Now based in Phoenix, Arizona, Tanya is the Artistic Director of the Balkanik Dance Group and a leading organizer of the Bulgarian Folklore Festival "Tupan Bie." Her work bridges generations and geographies, celebrating the richness of not only Bulgarian traditions but also the diverse tapestry of Balkan dances. For Tanya, dance is more than performance; it is storytelling, memory, and community made visible. With over two decades of experience, she is dedicated to ensuring that these living traditions are passed on, honoring the past while inspiring new generations to keep the spirit of Bulgarian and Balkan folk dance alive.