The circle is one of the most widespread and universal symbols. It commonly represents unity, wholeness, and infinity. In Slavic culture, it is especially important, often associated with the Sun, protection, and rebirth. Perhaps some of the most preserved examples of this symbol are the Slavic circle dances: kolo and khorovod.
THE KOLO
The kolo, oro, horo, or hora is present all across the Balkans - in Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, and even Romania. The dances are characterized by their intricate patterns of movement involving the lower half of the body, liveliness, and fast pace.
“Kolo” is the ancient Slavic word for “circle,” however, the dance can also involve an open half-circle, parallel lines, or other, more complex formations. Each formation is made up of a chain of dancers holding each other’s hands, waists, or shoulders. They are usually arranged in pairs of men and women, though some dances are exclusive to one gender.
Almost all aspects of the dance vary by region. The outfits worn are a stylized version of local folk clothing. Odd, exotic rhythms are very common in the southern Balkans, while more standard and even ones are found in the north. In fact, the regional influences are so prominent that the dances are differentiated by geographical names (eg. Šumadija, Čačak, Crna Gora, etc).
Today, the kolo is danced both professionally by cultural groups and casually at celebrations. At special events, the kolo is meant to promote a sense of friendship and community, so steps are simplified in order to encourage everyone to join. Professional dancers, on the other hand, use much more intricate footwork and add an impressive number of ornamental steps.
Clothing from the Šopluk region
THE KHOROVOD
The horovod, khorovod, or karagod is a dance seen among both West and East Slavs - most notably in Russia, Belarus, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Ukraine. It’s characterized by the dancers holding each other’s hands or little fingers to form a circle, and it has a number of regional variations. In the north, it’s calm, restrained, and more formal. In central regions, it’s more lively, fun, and energetic, often involving clapping, fast movements, and complex melodies. In the south, it’s bold, unrestrained, and usually involves a large number of dancers.
Khorovod around Saint John’s Eve bonfire
The khorovod is often called the oldest Slavic dance. Originally, it was a pagan ritual but with the Christianization of the Slavs, it became a type of folk art involving dancing and singing. It would start spontaneously when a group of singing women was joined by local men with instruments. Anyone could join the khorovod, but it was especially meant to provide an opportunity for young men and women to meet.
The khorovod is also associated with more ritualistic traditions. For example, it’s danced around the fire on Saint John’s Eve, celebrated on the 23rd of June in the Czech Republic.
SIMILARITIES
Despite the many regional variations between these arts and the physical and cultural distance between the countries that practice them, certain commonalities unite all of the Slavic circle dances.
Roots
The root of both the kolo and the khorovod comes from the Greek word Choreia - an ancient practice involving singing and circle dancing. Today, khorovod includes the vocal element more often than the kolo, though the latter involves singing in certain regions.
Kolovodja/Khorovodnitsa
Both dances have a designated leader. In the khorovod, the most experienced and lively girl in the group would be the khorovodnitsa (“she who leads the khorovod”). The khorovodnitsa was in charge of leading and choreographing the dance. Similarly, in the kolo, the best male dancer would be the kolovodja (“leader of the kolo”) and was the head of the group.
Symbolism
Due to their pagan origins, both dances are closely related to the Sun and have retained some of their ancient symbolism. For example, the khorovod is said to mean “walking around the Sun.” This is why it’s danced around the ritual fire on Saint John’s Eve - originally, this fire was for the sun god Yarilo, and the dance was meant to celebrate and aid the Sun in its daily journey.
Walking around the Sun
The circle is also believed to provide protection to that which is on the inside. The remnants of this belief can be seen in the Balkans, where the kolo is traditionally danced around houses of the families of newlyweds in order to ensure unity and prosperity during the marriage.
Circle Dance today
In Balkan tradition, stomping on the ground during a dance is a way of connecting with one’s ancestors. Today, the dances of the Slavic world are remembered through the work of professionals and enthusiasts, as well as long-standing folk traditions. The kolo and the khorovod are widely celebrated and performed at formal events and village celebrations alike. Though these dances are bound to change with constant innovation and the addition of new elements, by keeping them alive we ensure that future generations will be able to stay in touch with their roots, and the rich traditions of their ancestors.
Written by Pavle Bajić