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In Serbia people traditionally dance circle dance, known as kolo.
Kolo is performed among group of people holding each other's hands or having their hands around each other's waists (ideally in a circle). The basic steps are easy to
learn, but experienced dancers dance kolo with great virtuosity due to different ornamental elements they add.
Many variations of kolo are performed at weddings, social, cultural, and religious ceremonies.
Both men and women dance together, however some dances require only men to dance and some dances are only for women.
Dancing tradition in Serbia is represented by various styles of traditional dances. Each region of country has
at least one unique kolo and unique dressing style with traditional shoes called "opanke".
As with other aspects of Serbian culture, different forms of dances originated in different parts of Serbia,
developed according to the local traditions and also acquired elements from other parts of the country.
Instruments that were used for playing music for kolo before 20th century were Serbian flute and bagpipes and in 20th century
accordion that is most common instrument today.
----------- Examples of traditional dances by regions --------------
CENTRAL SERBIA (ŠUMADIJA)
Folk dances in Central Serbia are mix of Dinaric, Kosovo and Morava/Vardar regions. Dancing is light, on toes, usually in slow rhythm
and with lot of ornaments. Traditional cap worn in this region and in Western Serbia is "šajkača". Traditional shoes "opanke" from this region
(and Western Serbia) are called "šiljkani opanci" because of sharp elongated top they have.
This style is usually presented as most typical Serbian traditional folk dance, dressing and music.
WESTERN SERBIA
Western Serbia is part of Dinaric zone. Characteristic of Dinaric region dances is dancing and singing in the same time.
Dancing steps are somewhat simpler and more robust and it is more common to have whole foot on the ground
while dancing instead dancing on toes only.
Those characteristics of Dinaric dancing are most noticeable in main Dinaric zone (Bosnia) that will be explained later.
People of this region are called "Era" or "Ero" or "Ercov" from word "Hercegovac" which means man from Hertzegovina. Reason for this is because this region is settled with people of Hertzegovina during 16-20th century.
NORTHEASTERN SERBIA
In this region live two ethnicites Serbs and Vlachs and their dancing is very similar. Traditional dressing is also very specific, includes a cap called "šubara" made of sheep wool.
Dancing is strong with whole foot on the ground with typical kicking ground with free leg move.
Dancing begins in min 2:00
SOUTHEASTERN SERBIA
This part of Serbia is called Sop region (serbian: Šopska oblast) and is influenced with Morava/Vardar region folk style.
This region is spreading in Bulgaria and Macedonia as well.
This region is one of most diverse and interesting regions in therm of folk dances. There is even remain of Ottomans influence in Vranje town folk dancing and it's most known dancing is called
"Vranjanska svita" but in countryside areas traditional dancing is preserved.
Most known dancing style in this region is (Šopske igre) Sop dancing. It's characteristic is very fast rhythm and legs moves.
Cap called "šubara" is also common as traditional clothing.
Dancers often are saying joyfully these words while dancing "drž se zemljo Šop te gazi". Closest translation in English
would be "watch out ground, Šop is stepping on you".
SOUTHERN SERBIA (KOSOVO)
Serbian traditional folk dances from Kosovo characterising peaceful and light dancing. Traditional dancing often includes old Slavic
elements for wedding ceremonies. Singing in one voice is common. One voice singing from Kosovo region is different from singing in
two voices style that is common in other parts of Serbia.
NORTHERN SERBIA (VOJVODINA)
This is region with lot of different influences and ethnicities who live with Serbs like Hungarians and Romanians which gives specific style to folk dances
and dressing. Dancing in pairs is more common in this region. Kolo dance is characterised by small steps, dancing almost in one place without moving and
with common hitting heels leg move. Clothing styling is much diverse. Music instrument most specific for this region is "tambura" or "tamburica" which is a kind of small guitar.
Joyful and funny songs which are often sung during dancing are called "bećarac" songs.
Dancing begins in min 1:11
SERBS FROM BOSNIA
This is Dinaric influenced region and has unique folk dances, dressing and singing and differs
from Serbia. Characteristic of this region is two-voices singing, usually called "ojkanje". Dancing is robust, with whole foot on the ground and goal is to hit the ground as much as one can. Goal in these dances is to show physical strength of men and women equally.
Best known traditional Serbian folk dance from Western Bosnia is "Glamocko Gluvo (nemo) kolo". Translation in
English would be deaf (silent) kolo dance from Glamoc. This dance is performed without music.
Glamocko Gluvo kolo is added on UNESCO list in 1982 year.
There is a story that this dance is from times when Ottomans banned musical instruments to Serbs.
There is one more funny story that a girl couldn't marry if she is not able to dance Gluvo kolo for long enough
therefore girls would try to stay in kolo for as much as possible to show their strength.
Eastern Bosnia (Herzegovina) is similar in terms of dressing and folklore. Singing and dancing in the same time is common but
with more variations and includes music.
Dancing from Herzegovina (Igre Iz Istočne Hercegovine) - video (I can't add ninth video in post due to forum limits but it's worth watching)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMLSNAxyWTM
SERBS FROM CROATIA (LIKA)
This is also part of Dinaric region and style is similar to Bosnian Serbs dances.
Best known kolo dance from this region is "djikac". Name is derived from word "djikati" which is archaic word for jumping. It
belongs to group of silent kolo dances. One of dancers from group (called "kolovodja") usually gives orders to other dancers.
Dancing style is similar for both Serbs and Croats from this region. Singing and dancing in the same time is common.
Dancing begins in 2:25 min
source: http://www.riznicasrpska.net/muzika/
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