John Kuo, the director of the Chicago-based ensemble Balkanske Igre, and Galia Kuo, Bulgarian folk dancer, will give a lecture-demonstration on dance rhythms of the Balkans. Balkan music is most known for its uneven beats, such as 7/8. John and Galia will demonstrate the unique musical rhythms of different areas in the Balkans and teach the audience how to recognize, count, and understand them. Many have said that this lecture has taught them to think about uneven beats in new ways. The presentation will include a showcase of regional hand-made instruments produced by masters of their craft, as well as live music and videos.

John Kuo’s 2009 lecture is available for viewing on CHIASMOS at http://chiasmos.uchicago.edu/2008-2009/ceeres-090220-kuo.shtml.

Free and open to the public.

Sponsored by the International House Global Voices Performing Arts Series and the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures.