Dancing Through Generations: The Tradition of Kolo in Australia
Photos: S.Fantov, archive
If you’ve ever set foot at a Croatian party, wedding, or cultural event in Australia, chances are you’ve found yourself swept into a kolo. Maybe you knew the steps, maybe you learned on the go, or maybe you simply smiled your way through it while faking it masterfully.
Either way — you were part of something much bigger: a centuries-old folk dance that never goes out of style.
What Is Kolo?
Kolo is a traditional circle dance performed by holding hands or waists, moving in a circle or semicircle. While similar forms of dance exist across the Balkans and Central Europe, kolo is deeply rooted in Croatian heritage and regarded as a cornerstone of the nation’s folk traditions.
There are right and left kolos, depending on the direction of movement — clockwise or anti-clockwise.
Although simple at first glance, kolo is rich in regional variations. Every part of Croatia has its own unique style, music, rhythm, and costume — from the energetic kolo of Lika, the graceful moves of Slavonia, to more restrained steps in coastal regions. The dance can be “open” or “closed”: in closed kolos everyone is equal, while in open kolos the leader (or kolovođa) sets the pace — literally.
From Harvest to Heartbeat: The Original Social Network
In olden days, kolo wasn’t just a dance — it was the social hub of the community. After long days working the land, the village would gather to dance. Here, people made connections, sparked romances, exchanged news and — occasionally — threw a punch or two.
Yes, really.
If someone used a cheeky verse to call you out during kolo and you had a short fuse — well, that was just part of the folklore! Girls showed endurance through dancing, proving they were ready for life in the fields, and boys leapt into the air like footballers launching a cross. Some danced for hours — at a tempo that would leave today’s personal trainers out of breath.
Kolo in Australia: Heritage That Still Dances
Today, despite the distance from the homeland, kolo is still very much alive — and danced! Croatian folklore ensembles across Australia proudly preserve this tradition through performances, costumes, and music.
But the real magic happens spontaneously — when we grab each other’s hands at a party and start dancing “as best we can.”
At weddings, sports tournaments, picnics, celebrations at Croatian clubs, or even at backyard barbecues at our Centres — as soon as the familiar beat of kolo starts, we all know what’s coming.
Forget about shoes — high heels come off mid-spin, sandals go flying, and the dancefloor fills with smiles and sweat.
Because kolo doesn’t discriminate. Whether you’ve got two left feet or know every move by heart, you’re welcome. In kolo, we are one — just as a community should be.
Why Keep This Tradition Alive?
Dancing kolo is more than fun — it’s a way of preserving our identity, connecting to our roots, and passing it on to younger generations.
In a world of fast screens and virtual friendships, kolo is a living, breathing link to our heritage. We teach it at dance rehearsals, but also pass it on informally to children, grandchildren, and friends.
Kolo is our shared language — even if you don’t speak fluent Croatian, chances are, you know how to dance kolo. And that says enough.
In Rhythm With the Heart — And the Homeland
So, the next time you’re at a Croatian celebration in Australia and hear that familiar tune — put your phone away, take someone’s hand, and join the circle.
Let your feet guide you, let your heart move you, and let your smile stay with you.
Because in kolo, no one dances alone — we are all connected, like links in a chain of time, tradition, and joy.
And don’t worry if you trip a little — that’s part of the story too.
After all, the true beauty is that even when you don’t know what you’re doing — it still looks like you do.
