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Ready for a spin through tradition — and the dance floor? If so, Serbian kolo is just the thing. It’s an easy way to step right into the local culture, not just by watching but by getting in there and learning the moves yourself.
Yes, Serbian traditional dance is lively, exciting, and easy to learn — most of the time. So, put on your dancing shoes and enjoy the ride!
Kolo is a traditional Serbian dance. It exists in every part of the country, but the styles differ.
What’s unusual about kolo is that it’s a communal dance. As a result, you don’t need a partner — everybody can join simultaneously.
In short, at least three dancers, but typically several dozen, hold hands, forming a large circle or chain. Interestingly, that’s where the name of the dance comes from: kolo means circle in Serbian.
Once the kolo is formed, the dancers perform a set of steps ranging from incredibly simple to those that only pros can nail. Most of the time, dancers only use their legs, with very little happening above the waist.
In any case, the circle of people can keep expanding as much as the room allows. In other words, you can join whenever you wish and leave once you’re tired.
Still wondering if Serbian kolo is worth your time? Then, you should know that UNESCO officially recognizes it as part of Serbia’s cultural heritage. So, if you’re into Serbian culture, don’t skip kolo.
In a formal setting, kolo dancers wear folk costumes, or in Serbian — narodna nošnja. Naturally, these clothes will look vastly different from place to place. That said, the typical garments include the following:
If you’re curious about ethnic wear, you’ll find a perfect blend of tradition and fashion at the Ethnographic Museum in Belgrade.
Serbian kolo comes in many forms, each with its own rhythm and speed. Depending on the region, some dances are slow and graceful, while others will leave you breathless in seconds! Here are some of the most popular types:
A classic and elegant kolo, Moravac comes from the Morava River region. It features smooth, flowing movements and is often danced at weddings and other celebrations. If you’re a beginner, this is a great place to start — it’s lively but not too fast!
Likely the most famous type, Užičko kolo is fast-paced and energetic, named after Užice — a town in western Serbia. This kolo is often accompanied by enthusiastic clapping and stomping, and it’s much more challenging than the previous one.
Originating from eastern Serbia, particularly the Vlach community, Vlaško kolo has a unique rhythm that stands out from other variants. It often features playful and dynamic footwork, with dancers adding their own flair. It’s a great example of how diverse Serbian folk traditions can be!
Named after the city of Čačak, this kolo is another high-energy favorite. The steps are quick, the music is upbeat, and the whole experience feels like a cardio workout. If you ever find yourself in a Serbian celebration, you’ll likely be swept into a Čačak kolo before you know it!
The best thing about kolo? You don’t need a date. It’s a group dance, so everybody’s welcome.
If you’re still feeling shy, though, a shot of rakija will sort it out — a few sips, and you’ll be ready to roll.
Join the kolo and grab your neighbors by their hands. You can break the chain wherever you like. That said, it’s best to avoid the head of the kolo since that spot is reserved for the leader (kolovođa) and requires a fair share of skill.
Follow the rhythm and perform the movements. Most of the dances have a set of steps going left and right. For instance, the simplest version of Moravac follows this pattern: 2-1-1. That means you should take two steps to your right, one step to your left, and another to your right. Then, do exactly the same, but move in the opposite direction.
Once you pick up the pattern, it’s all rinse and repeat. You recycle all the same steps until the song ends — or you can’t feel your legs.
Don’t stress if you can’t nail the steps — the only thing that matters is that you’re moving in the correct direction. Otherwise, you risk stepping on other people’s toes. So, observe what others are doing and try to replicate it — and, of course, have fun!
The easiest way to experience kolo is to attend a Serbian wedding. A traditional dance is a must at these celebrations, and the best part is — you can join the fun, and no one will care if you’re not very good at it.
Also, festivals are great for watching pros at play. For instance, Zlatno Kolo in Bor or Guca Trumpet Festival are popular events that take place every year.
Finally, you can take lessons and become a pro yourself. You can enroll in a local traditional dance (folklor) school, or you can do it for free by watching YouTube tutorials.
Finally, if you’ve visited the country without experiencing Serbian kolo, you’re missing out — big time. After all, it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about the local culture by being part of it. Not to mention that it’s a great exercise — much needed after all those ćevapi and burek.
So, what are you waiting for? Leave your comfort zone and enter kolo. Once you feel the rhythm, it’ll be hard to stop.
Speaking of new experiences, why don’t you book a free trial Serbian lesson? Talk to one of our certified teachers and let them draw up the most effective study plan just for you. See you in class!
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