Serbian kolo isn’t just a dance, it’s a part of Serbian identity and legacy.
There’s no Serb, living in Serbia or in the Serbian diaspora, who doesn’t know what a kolo is.
If you have ever attended a Serbian wedding, you probably saw this circle dance, which may seem difficult to learn at first.
Here, you will learn everything you should know about this specific dance, and after watching a couple of videos, you may even learn the steps for kolo.
But, even if you don’t, there’s no reason to worry, as soon as you see some Serb, you can ask him or her to learn you, they would be thrilled! 🙂
#1 What does a Serbian kolo look like?
This is a traditional Serbian folk dance characterised by a circle formation. All dancers hold hands and perform synchronised steps.
The most common holding between dancers is by the hands. They can also hold each other under arms, intertwine arms, hold hands on the shoulders, or hug each other.
At Serbian gatherings, as soon as guests hear the melody’s first strains, they approach the dance podium and start dancing.
#2 Where do Serbs learn to dance kolo?
We can say that this is a phenomenon. Many Serbian people know how to dance kolo, and when you ask them where they learned it, they probably won’t know what to tell you. 🙂
Small children saw grown-ups dancing and exercise steps, so it’s probably one of the first dances they learn.
There are also numerous dance associations called Folklorna društva or Kulturno-umetnička društva (short: KUD). Members of these associations travel the world presenting this part of Serbian heritage!
#3 Where do Serbs dance kolo?
Serbs dance kolo almost everywhere! Jokes aside, yes, kolo is a crucial part of many Serbian celebrations and gatherings.
Serbian weddings are the main celebrations where people dance kolo, probably more than once during the event.
Serbia’s most significant birthday parties are those where the celebrant turns one or eighteen. The first birthday is usually celebrated at the same time as the celebration of baptism. Eighteenth birthdays signify the start of adulthood. These are the reasons why there are many guests at these events, and sometimes they look like small weddings (or not so small :)). So, when you combine a good occasion and a lot of Serbs, expect – kolo!
Kolo is also danced on New Year’s Eve, especially at the celebration which occurs in restaurants.
Have you heard of Dragačevski sabor trubača or Guča Fest? The trumpeter’s assembly involves many bands competing at this festival, and playing a melody for the kolo is a must.
#4 ‘Dance like there’s no tomorrow!’
There’s a folk belief that a girl who stays the last in the kolo will marry next. If you have ever tried to dance kolo, you will understand this belief much better. 😀
When music for the kolo starts and people gather in a circle, it may seem easy, but some songs may last so long that people simply give up.
We can say that kolo is a dance of endurance.
#5 The Varieties of Serbian Kolo
There are many variations of kolo. The style varies depending on the geographical area and ethnic community in that area.
The usual differences are in the number of steps and the melody.
Here are some of the most well-known kolo types in Serbia:
#1 Moravac
#2 Užičko kolo
#3 Žikino kolo
#4 Vlaško kolo
#5 Sa sa
Moravac is one of the so-called symmetric dances. It originates from Central Serbia. The most common Serbian kolo dance step is the six-step, which is also characteristic of this kolo.
You play three steps to the right, three steps in place, then three steps to the left, then three in place, which is repeated constantly. This way, you can play other Serbian kolo dances such as Užičko i Žikino kolo.
For instance, Vlaško kolo is asymetric kolo. There are eight steps. You go four steps to the right, then two in place, then one to the left, and one in place. All of this is then repeated.
Sa sa originates from Niš. Its rhythm is very often used in newly composed folk songs. It can be played in six (most often) or eight steps. The steps are simple: two to the right, two back, two forward, and then all over again!
Click here to see how professional dancers play different variations of kolo.
At Serbian weddings and other celebrations, the most common types of kolo are Užičko kolo and Vlaško kolo. Užičko kolo is usually played first, and you’ll see many people join the circle, as it’s easier and most people know it. Then Vlaško kolo is played, and it has faster music. Many people don’t know how to dance it, so they leave the circle. If you know both, you will be a pro. 😀
#6 Serbian Kolo Outfit
This, of course, doesn’t mean that you cannot dance kolo if you don’t have this characteristic outfit. 😀
During folclore performances, the performers wear Serbian traditional clothing, or srpska narodna nošnja.
Back in the days, the way a person dressed was used to identify not only where they were from (especially in mixed ethnic environments), but also to which ethnic or national community they belonged.
These traditional costumes often include embroidered shirts, vests, pants or skirts, and a specific type of leather shoes called opanci. Men usually wore a hat called a šajkača.
#7 Instruments Accompanying Kolo
The music accompanying the kolo is as diverse as the dance itself, employing a range of traditional instruments,
Earlier, kolo was played with frula and gajde.
Frula is a small wooden flute traditionally played by shepherds, producing a soft, melodic sound.
Gajde are Serbian bagpipes that add a distinctive, resonant tone to the music.
Today, a musician plays the kolo using a harmonica, a trumpet, or a keyboard.
#8 The Importance of Serbian Kolo
Kolo symbolises unity and is crucial to Serbian culture, tradition, and history.
In 2017, UNESCO recognised this dance as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Beforementioned Folklorna društva perform at international festivals, cultural events, and community gatherings, showcasing kolo to diverse audiences and nurturing intercultural connections!
Want to learn more about Serbian culture and language? Then it’s a perfect time to start taking Serbian classes!
